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Tympanostomy - Ear Tube Insertion

Home Care and Complications

What happens later at home?

Usually a person recovers within 1 or 2 days after the procedure. Often eardrops are prescribed for the first few days after surgery.

A person will be given special instructions about how to care for his or her ears and tubes. It is important that he or she follow these directions carefully. For instance, a healthcare provider may recommend that he or she:

wear special earplugs when swimming so that water does not enter the ear canal

wear a shower cap when shampooing hair or showering for a few weeks after the procedure

put a small piece of cotton in the ear after showering, shampooing, or swimming to absorb any excess water

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Here are some complications that may occur after ear tubes are inserted:

The person may continue to have ear infections that require antibiotics.

The tubes may come out too quickly. This means that new tubes may need to be inserted if infections continue.

The tubes may have to be removed by a surgeon if they dislodge into the space by the middle ear. If they do not fall out correctly on their own, they also may need to be surgically removed.

Once the tubes fall out, scarring may occur.

Rarely, a small hole may be left in the eardrum. This may require surgery to patch it.

If unusual or foul smelling drainage from the ear is noticed, a person should contact his or her healthcare provider.

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