Tympanostomy tubes are tiny vessels that look similar to a spool of thread. The tubes create a temporary hole in the tympanic membrane, or ear drum, to allow ventilation and fluid drainage from the middle ear space. Tubes will equalize the pressure between the middle ear and outer section to prevent recurrent ear infections that fail to respond to antibiotics. Once these tubes are implanted, little maintenance is involved. The tubes are deep in the ear canal and cannot be manually cleaned. Instead, you must clean the outer ear and safeguard the tubes to prevent complications.
Step 1
Apply antibiotic ear drops as prescribed by your doctor. Lay the affected individual down with one ear facing the ceiling. Squeeze the bulb on the top of the eyedropper provided with the medication to fill the application tube. Hold the dropper over the ear and let the correct number of drops enter the ear canal. Pull the ear lobe upward softly to guide the medication down the canal. Do not let the dropper touch the skin around the ear.
Step 2
Repeat the application of medication in the other ear. Wait a few minutes after the initial dose before turning the child over to apply the drops in the other ear. Apply the medication as directed on the bottle.
Step 3
Wipe the outer ear with a moist towel to remove debris from drainage. Ears may drain for several days after surgery. Keep the exterior of the ear as clean as possible Do not allow water to enter the canal; just wipe the skin surface.
Step 4
Insert putty-like ear plugs that conform to the shape of the opening of the ear canal or cotton balls when showering or bathing. Press the plugs over the ear canal until secure. If using cotton balls, dip the cotton into petroleum jelly before inserting into the canal opening. This will provide a vacuum that protects the canal from water.
Tips and Warnings
- Tubes will be in position for approximately six to 12 months and will fall out on their own in most cases. The tubes may need to be surgically removed if they fail to dislodge.
- Your child should not swim while tubes are in place, even with plugs. Do not push cotton or plugs into the canal farther than necessary to secure them.
Things You'll Need
- Antibiotic ear drops
- Clean moist towel
- Ear plugs
- Cotton balls
- Petroleum jelly
