When might I need ear tubes and how can they help?
- Posted on: Dec 15 2019
Children and adults who are experiencing problems with ventilation and draining to the middle ear may be told that they could benefit from the placement of ear tubes. Ear tubes are hollow cylinder
s that are extremely small and fabricated from metal or plastic. They are surgically impacted into the eardrum to create an airway and improve ventilation. This eliminates the possibility of fluid accumulation behind the eardrum that cam case chronic problems such as constant ear infections.
Why might I need ear tubes?
Ear tubes are often recommended to patients who are experiencing the following problems:
- Chronic fluid trapped behind the eardrum
- Hearing loss
- Chronic middle ear infections
- Tearing and/or perforation of the eardrum
Ear tube placement is done routinely for both children and adults, though there are some risks associated with this procedure. While rare, patients can develop:
- Continued infection
- Bleeding
- Persistent fluid drainage
- Blocked tubes
- Weakening or scarring of the eardrum
- Tubes not staying in place or in too long
Is the placement of ear tubes right for me?
An ENT doctor at The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas may recommend the placement of an ear tube for a patient if they are experiencing problems with the eardrums, including constant infections that may be impacting one’s overall health. The procedure itself is a routine procedure that is performed regularly for both children and adults. It can be used to improve one’s overall quality of life, especially if infections and hearing loss are impacting them every day. During an initial evaluation with one of our providers, patients (or the parents of a patient) can ask about ear tubes to determine if they are a viable solution to one’s medical concerns. Our team of providers are pleased to educate patients on this and other solutions that can be used to improve one’s hearing and ear health.
Interested in learning more about ear tubes and other procedures available?
Contact The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas by calling (972) 984-1050 and scheduling an appointment at one of our various locations including practices in the areas of Celina, Plano, Allen, and McKinney, Texas. The practice is open to accepting new patients in the community who are seeking ENT or allergy care.
Posted in: Ear
