Ear Tubes

Ear tubes are small cylinders often made of plastic or metal that are surgically placed inside the eardrum. These tubes create an airway that helps ventilate the middle ear and prevent fluid from building up behind the eardrum.

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When Can Ear Tubes Be Used?

Ear tubes can be used to treat several types of ear conditions, including excess or a build-up of fluids behind the eardrum, infections of the middle ear, inflammation of the middle ear, and chronic ear infections. Ear tubes are also often used for children who experience regular build-ups of fluid in their ears or chronic ear infections. After several months ear tubes will fall out on their own, and the hole will naturally close.

The Insertion Process

To place ear tubes in the middle ear, you will first require general anesthesia. The procedure takes roughly 15-30 minutes to perform and is often done in our office.

A small hole will be created in the eardrum during the procedure using a laser device or a scalpel. Before the tubes are inserted, the area will be cleaned, and any fluid found will be suctioned out. After this, the provider will insert the tube inside the hole.

Once the tube has been inserted, most patients can recover at home. After several months, the tubes will fall out on their own, and a provider can evaluate if further treatment is necessary.

Ear Tubes for Children

When adults experience a build-up of fluid in the ears, it can be painful and lead to infection. In children, this also occurs but can lead to more severe side effects. When children have a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, in some cases, it can cause hearing problems and can create developmental delays in language and learning. Ear tubes can be used to help prevent and treat these side effects.

About Florida ENT Associates

Florida ENT Associates has five locations across Central Florida to help patients find complete relief from their ENT symptoms. We’ve been serving patients across Florida for many years and are proud to be long-standing members of the community.

Our goal is to provide each patient with:

Personalized Treatment

Our providers understand that care should always be customized to meet patients’ needs and lifestyles, so they never push unnecessary or “cookie-cutter” treatment plans.

Top-rated Physician Network

We’ve built a provider network staffed with physicians from all specialties of ENT care. This ensures you’re always seeing a provider who is well-versed in your symptoms.

Continuity of Care

Our physicians believe in finding long-term care solutions that address each of the symptoms impacting your life.

Community Investment

With locations throughout the area, you can ensure we’ll always be available when you need us.

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Benefits of Ear Tubes

Allow fluid to quickly drain from the ear canal
Prevent repeat infections or inflammation
Help children who may be experiencing hearing loss or development delays due to a fluid build-up
It can be performed in our office in 30 minutes or less
Tubes will fall out on their own after several months, and the holes will close
Provides instant relief from certain types of ear pain or infection

Who Is a Candidate for Ear Tubes?

Patients experiencing chronic ear conditions such as fluid build-up, infections, or inflammation may be candidates. Children who experience these conditions and those experiencing hearing loss from fluid build-up can also benefit from ear tubes.

Your Ear Tubes Experience

The first step in your appointment will be general anesthesia, ensuring you are comfortable and at ease during your treatment.

The provider will begin by creating a small incision in the eardrum to insert the tube. This is performed with a scalpel or a laser. If the provider notices any excess fluid already present in the ears, this will be drained. Once the tubes have been inserted, you will begin to feel immediate relief. After the procedure, you will be able to recover at home, and within several months the tubes will fall out on their own, and the hole will close completely.

Ear Tube FAQ

Are ear tubes safe for children?

Yes, ear tubes are safe for children and can help them find relief from chronic ear conditions.

When will the tubes be removed?

The tubes will fall out after several months. For most patients, this is between 4-8 months.

Will I need to return to have the tubes removed?

No. They will fall out on their own after several months. You may return to the office to see if further treatment is required.