Grommets are tiny tubes that are inserted in a child's ears to treat a common aliment called "glue ears." This health problem is due to trapped fluid in the middle ear that can result in infection and hearing loss. The fluid that generally drains out of the middle ear becomes thick and sticky, causing it to be referred to as glue. The insertion of grommets is an operation generally performed on children to relieve this ailment.
Physical Description and Positioning
An ear grommet is a tube with a small ventilation hole in the center that allows for air to enter the middle ear. The grommets have a flange, or lip, at both ends. Grommets are made from plastic. They are approximately 2 mm wide. The grommet lies within the eardrum, with one of its flanges on the inside of the drum and the other on the outside.
Other Names
Grommets are referred to by a variety of names. Your child's physician may call them ventilation tubes, collar button tubes, Shepard's tubes or T-tubes. Confirm with the doctor the nature of the product to be sure a grommet is what is being discussed.
Methodology
Ear grommets work by allowing air into the middle ear. This solves the problem of glue ears because the small bones in the ears that allow for hearing are "unstuck," allowing them to move easily. The air allows the fluid to remain thin and watery so it will drain well.
Operation
Generally the insertion of grommets is an outpatient procedure performed in a hospital. Do not give your child food or water the day of the operation. Anesthesia will be given to your child that makes him completely unconscious. The surgeon will make a small incision in the eardrums so the fluid buildup can be removed and the grommets can be inserted. Your child should be released roughly two hours following the operation.
Follow-Up Care
You child should have little pain immediately following the insertion of the grommets. Contact your child's physician if she suffers from a great amount of pain or is still uncomfortable three days following the operation. The most important aspect of aftercare is to take water precautions. Your child should wear ear plugs any time she is in water, including a bath if her hair is to be washed. Avoid letting her swim in lakes during the period for which she has grommets. Be aware that grommets generally come out of their own accord after about three to 18 months, according to The Children's Hospital at Westmead. Occasionally, your child may need an additional grommet surgery, should she experience a recurrence of glue ears.
Effectiveness
The extent of the effectiveness of grommets is questionable. While it is generally accepted that grommets help keep glue ear from occurring while they are in place, it is not firmly established that they help with conductive hearing loss. According to a study conducted by G.G. Browning, M.M. Rovers, I. Williamson, J. Lous and M.J. Burton, grommets did not significantly improve hearing in children who suffered from glue ear. The researchers noted that natural resolution of glue ear showed virtually the same improvement in hearing as did treatment with grommets.
