Small tubes have been placed in the ears to allow the air space behind the
eardrum to drain. This area is called the middle ear. Initially some
drainage may be noted coming out of the ear canal, but this should stop in a day
or two. The drainage may be bloody. If this should happen, just
clean the outer ear with a moist washcloth or Q-tip. You have been given
some ear drops to use as directed. Should drainage occur in the future,
you may start putting 3-4 drops in the affected ear three times a day. If
the drainage has not stopped in several days call the office for further
instructions.
A child may run a low grade temperature for the first 24 hours after the
procedure and may be fussy. Just give some Tylenol to help control this.
The main challenge is to keep the ears dry. A cotton ball coated with
Vaseline placed in the bowl of the ear will help keep water out when bathing.
Other types of ear plugs and ear bands are available for swimming and other
water sports.
The tubes usually come out in 6-12 months but this will vary from individual to
individual. Usually the tubes are not felt in the ears. The ears
will need to be checked two weeks after the procedure and then every 3 months
thereafter until they migrate out on there own. Usually when they come out
the hole that is left will heal itself. Rarely this hole will not heal and
may need to be closed surgically.
Should any other questions arise feel free to call the office.
