Topmusicanswers
Usually, an ear tube stays in the eardrum for four to 18 months and then falls out on its own. Sometimes, a tube doesn't fall out and needs to be surgically removed. In some cases, the ear tube falls out too soon, and another needs to be put in the eardrum.
- How often do ear tubes need to be replaced?
- Can ear tubes stay in for years?
- What happens if ear tubes stay in too long?
- Are ear tubes worth it?
How often do ear tubes need to be replaced?
How long the tubes stay in can be a problem: The tubes should fall out in about 1 year. If your child gets ear infections after the tubes fall out, the tubes may need to be replaced. If the tubes stay in your child's ear too long, a surgeon may need to take them out.
Can ear tubes stay in for years?
May 13, 2002 -- Plenty of kids get ventilation tubes put in their ears to prevent chronic ear infections, or otitis media. A new study shows that up to age 7 -- the period when kids are at highest risk for infections -- they can safely have tubes for two to four years.
What happens if ear tubes stay in too long?
If tubes are left in place for longer periods of time, there can be a slightly greater risk the small hole or what we call a perforation in the eardrum does not heal, and an eardrum patch repair procedure may be needed.
Are ear tubes worth it?
The systematic review of more than 40 studies found that implanting tubes in the ears of children who have persistent or recurrent episodes of otitis media with effusion (OME) improves hearing over a short period but is less likely to improve long-term cognitive and functional development.
