Ear Tubes
Q & A
By Tamara Walker, R.N.
When my daughter was a toddler, she suffered from multiple ear infections due to chronic fluid in her middle ears. After months of treating these infections with antibiotics, our pediatrician referred us to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist to determine if she could benefit from PE (pressure equalizing) tubes. My husband and I had several questions for the specialist about the tubes. What we learned might help you if your child has had multiple ear infections and your doctor has recommended PE tubes.
How do PE tubes work?
After a small hole is made in the ear drum, a small tube is inserted into the hole to keep it open. This allows air to enter the ear which equalizes the pressure in the ear. The PE tube helps existing fluid build-up inside the ear to drain down the Eustachian tube and prevents further build-up from occurring. Fluid in the middle ear can lead to hearing loss, balance problems, and allows bacteria to grow which can cause ear infections.
Do PE tubes require surgery and will it hurt?
The insertion of PE tubes does require outpatient surgery. Your child will not feel the surgery if general anesthesia is used, which most doctors recommend. When your child wakes up, he may feel groggy from the anesthesia but should not have much pain. If he is sore, your doctor may recommend a mild pain reliever. Most children are up and playing within a few hours of having the tubes inserted.
Will my child be able to bathe and swim after getting tubes?
Doctors used to always recommend children with PE tubes wear ear plugs when bathing or swimming. Recent studies have suggested that wearing ear plugs does not decrease the incidence of ear infections in children with PE tubes and are not necessary. However, ask your child's doctor what he recommends and follow his advice.
If your doctor does recommend the
placement of PE tubes, make sure that all of your questions are answered before
your child undergoes surgery. If your child is old enough, you need to prepare
your child for having surgery. Two books that can help you prepare your child
are Chris Gets Ear Tubes by Betty Pace, and Koko Bear's Big Earache:
Preparing Your Child for Ear Tube Surgery by Vicki
Lansky.