Myringotomy with Ear Tube Insertion (in office)

Ear tubes, also called tympanostomy tubes or ventilation tubes, are small, hollow cylinders, usually made of plastic or metal, that are inserted into incisions in the eardrums during surgery. It is used to treat ear problems that last for long periods of time or infections that happen frequently.

Ear tube surgery is one of the most common surgeries in children. However, it is not recommended as the first treatment for an ear infection. Consult with your child’s physician for the best treatment plan for long term ear pain.

Your physician may recommend ear tube surgery if you have trouble hearing due to inflammation and buildup of fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion) that lasts more than three months and does not respond to drug treatment. ^1,2

Your physician may recommend surgery in case of the following:

• Hearing loss
• Speech delays
• Barotrauma (discomfort due to pressure change)
• Ear drops, antibiotics or ear medications not curing middle ear infection
• Congenital malformation of the ear ³

Let your physician know if:

• You’re taking any medications
• You have history or family history of adverse reactions to anesthetics
• You have any allergies or other negative reactions to medications. ⁴

The procedure is an outpatient surgery that is performed in hospital or at the doctor’s office and usually takes less than 15 minutes. The surgery is usually performed during general anesthesia but adults can also receive local anesthetic if your prefer to remain awake.

During the procedure, the surgeon:

• Makes a tiny incision in the eardrum with a small scalpel or laser
• Drains fluids from the middle ear
• Inserts the tube in the hole in the eardrum ⁵

You will spend some time in the recovery room after surgery. You may experience side effects like:

• Grogginess
• Nausea

Your physician may recommend to:

• Protect your ears from water until the tubes fall out naturally, which usually happens 6 to 18 months after surgery, and the hole in the ear closes completely.
• Use ear plugs for any water activities ^6,7

Insurance coverage for a myringotomy with ear tubes insertion depends on your health plan. Check with your insurance company to see if they cover the procedure. If you have to pay out of pocket, the price range of ear tubes in the MDsave network is updated in real time at the top of this page.

1,4 Mayo Clinic. Ear Tubes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ear-tubes/about/pac-20384667
2,5,6 Cleveland Clinic. Ear Tubes. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15609-ear-tubes
3,7 VeryWellHealth.Myringotomy Surgery for Ear Tubes. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-myringotomy-ear-surgery-3157282