Ear Tubes (Pressure Equalization Tubes/PETs)

Ear tubes are placed under general anesthesia in children and under local anesthesia in adults. A small incision is made with the use of a microscope in the front part of the ear drum. If there is fluid (anywhere from a thin fluid to a thick fluid to purulence), it is suctioned and through the incision, a very small doughnut-shaped tube is placed. There are silastic and metal tubes. Some tubes are coated with antibacterials. The tubes act as a temporary bypass to let air into the middle ear just as a functioning Eustachian tube lets air into the middle ear from the nose. The tubes last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years and usually make their way out on their own. If ear tubes are present longer than 2 years, then they may possibly need to be surgically removed. There are tubes call T-tubes that can last up to 5 years. These are recommended in kids after a third set of tubes, or in kids with Down syndrome or cleft palate who can suffer from life-long Eustachian tube problems. Ear tubes have great success rates but are not perfect and can result in the following rare complications: plugging; chronic drainage; and/or creating a permanent hole in the ear drum.

Fact Sheets

• Ear Infections and Earache
• Earache
• Ear Tubes
• Swimmer's Ear/Otitis Externa