Ear Tubes
Here at Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin we are happy to evaluate your child for ear tubes if they have ear infections frequently.
Ear tubes, also known as tympanostomy tubes, are placed in the eardrum to release and equalize pressure within the middle ear thus reducing pain and the frequency of infection.
Reasons ear tubes are considered include:
- Frequent middle ear infections – Depending on the age of the individual and the frequency of middle ear infections, ear tubes may help prevent recurrent ear infections.
- Persistent middle ear fluid – Tympanostomy tubes can drain fluid from behind the eardrum. This is important because constant fluid in the middle ear can contribute to decreased hearing which especially in young children, can significantly delay or impair language, speech and overall learning development.
- Chronic ear pressure and discomfort without infection – Even chronic pressure apart from infection can be relieved by ear tubes as they release and equalize pressure to repair or prevent structural abnormalities or abnormal growths in the inner ear.
The tympanostomy surgery takes just about 10-minutes and is an outpatient procedure. It is performed under general anesthesia and is done by our ENT surgeons. Anesthesia is used to make your child comfortable and not feel the pain or anxiety of the procedure. Once your child is comfortably sedated, a small incision is made in the eardrum to release pressure and fluid out of the middle ear. A small, hollow tube made from surgical-grade plastic or metal is placed in the incision. The tube acts as a conduit or tunnel from the middle to the outer ear.
The purpose of the ear tubes is to equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside. It is a safe and effective procedure performed over several decades relieving the pain of many susceptible children (while also relieving the stress of their parents). The ear tubes keep fluid from building up in the inner ear, which reduces inflammation and allows the ear to heal from infections quicker. This procedure often helps reduce ear infections, relieve their symptoms, and prevents common complications including hearing loss.
Post procedure follow-up usually takes place in our office three to four weeks after surgery to make sure the tubes are working well and there are no complications from the procedure. A hearing test will often be conducted at that time also.
Contact Us if you think ear tubes may be an option for your child. We will be happy to determine and discuss the best options available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ear Tubes
Where can I get ear tubes placed for my child near Appleton, Neenah, or Oshkosh, WI?
Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin performs pediatric ear tube surgery across the Fox Valley, with offices serving Appleton, Neenah, Oshkosh, De Pere, Shawano, and Waupaca. Call (920) 969-1768 to reach the location most convenient for your family and schedule a consultation with our ENT care team. Consultations are typically handled at whichever office is closest to you, and the outpatient procedure is coordinated from there. You can request an appointment online or contact us with questions about which office fits your child’s needs.
What is the youngest age a child can get ear tubes?
Ear tubes are most commonly placed in children between 6 months and 3 years old, though the procedure can be performed on infants younger than 6 months when medically necessary. The right age depends on infection frequency, fluid persistence, hearing impact, and how the pediatric ENT surgeon evaluates your child. The American Academy of Otolaryngology generally recommends considering tubes after three ear infection episodes in six months, or four in a year, with fluid still present. If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can evaluate them, call (920) 969-1768 to schedule.
How long do ear tubes stay in a child's ear before falling out?
Most ear tubes stay in place between 6 and 18 months before naturally falling out on their own as the eardrum heals and pushes them into the ear canal. Longer-term T-tubes designed for chronic cases can remain for several years, and your ENT surgeon will recommend the tube type best suited to your child. Tubes typically come out during normal ear-wax cycling and don’t require a separate removal procedure in most children. If ear infections return after the tubes fall out, a second set can be placed, call Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin at (920) 969-1768 to schedule a follow-up evaluation.
Can my child go back to daycare or school the day after ear tube surgery?
Most children can return to daycare or school the day after ear tube surgery, since the procedure takes about 10 minutes and involves no external incisions. Some kids feel tired or fussy the first evening from anesthesia, so many parents plan on one day of rest before returning to a normal schedule. Mild ear drainage for a few days is normal and expected, and antibiotic ear drops should be used as prescribed. If your child develops a fever above 101°F, significant pain, or drainage lasting more than a week, contact Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin at (920) 969-1768.
Does my child need to keep water out of their ears after getting tubes?
Most ENT specialists no longer require strict water precautions after ear tube surgery, since research has shown that clean bath and pool water rarely causes ear infections in children with tubes. Ear plugs or a swim headband are usually recommended for lake, river, and hot tub swimming, or when diving below the surface. Soapy bath water, unlike chlorinated pool water, can irritate the middle ear through the tube, so a small dab of Vaseline on a cotton ball or a swim plug during bath time is a reasonable precaution for young children. Your surgeon at Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin will give specific guidance at the follow-up visit, call (920) 969-1768 with questions before then.
Are there alternatives to ear tubes for treating recurrent ear infections?
Alternatives to ear tubes include watchful waiting for children with mild or infrequent infections, targeted antibiotics for acute episodes, and adenoid removal for kids over four years old with recurring problems. The right approach depends on your child’s age, infection pattern, and whether middle ear fluid is causing hearing or speech delays. For many children with frequent ear infections, tubes end up being the most effective long-term option because they address the underlying pressure and drainage issue rather than treating each infection individually. An evaluation with Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin can help determine which path fits your child, call 920-969-1768 or reach out through our care team page.
What should I expect right after my child wakes up from ear tube surgery?
Most children wake up in the recovery room within 15 to 30 minutes after ear tube surgery, often crying or fussy from the anesthesia rather than from actual pain. You’ll be brought back to your child shortly after they wake, and most families are home within an hour or two of arrival. Some children experience nausea, imbalance, or grogginess for a few hours as the anesthesia wears off, which is normal. Mild ear discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter children’s pain relievers as directed by our ENT team. If drowsiness lasts more than 24 hours or your child seems in serious distress, call Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin at (920) 969-1768.
Can adults get ear tubes, or is the procedure only for children?
Adults can absolutely get ear tubes, though the procedure is less common in adults than in children. Adults typically need tubes for chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, persistent middle ear fluid after upper respiratory infections, or ongoing barotrauma from flying or scuba diving. In adults, tube placement is often done in-office under local anesthesia in a matter of minutes, and recovery tends to be faster and more predictable than in pediatric cases. If persistent ear pressure, muffled hearing, or repeated ear infections are affecting your daily life, contact Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin at (920) 969-1768 to schedule an evaluation.
What are the risks or possible complications of tympanostomy tube surgery?
Tympanostomy tube surgery is considered very safe, with the most common risks being minor and short-term: temporary ear drainage, tubes falling out too early or staying in too long, and rarely a small persistent perforation in the eardrum after the tube extrudes. Anesthesia risk in otherwise healthy children is very low. Some children develop mild scarring of the eardrum (tympanosclerosis), which typically doesn’t meaningfully affect hearing. Serious complications are uncommon, and tube surgery is one of the most frequently performed pediatric procedures in the United States. Our ENT surgeons at Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin review all risks in detail at consultation, call (920) 969-1768 to schedule.
Should I schedule my child's ear tube surgery before or after cold and flu season in Wisconsin?
Many Fox Valley families schedule ear tube surgery in late summer or early fall, before Wisconsin’s cold and flu season peaks, so tubes are in place and equalizing pressure by the time infection risk climbs. That said, tubes can safely be placed year-round when medically indicated. The exact timing should depend on your child’s infection pattern, hearing status, and school schedule, not the calendar. If your child is currently experiencing frequent ear infections or middle ear fluid, waiting for a “better” season isn’t recommended, since ongoing fluid can delay speech and language development. Contact Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Wisconsin at (920) 969-1768 to discuss timing.