Ear Ventilation Tubes (Grommets)

When fluid is accumulated behind the ear drum and it does not respond to medical treatment, the doctor can suggest the insertion of a ventilation tube (grommet). The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia and does not require hospital stay. With the help of the surgical microscope, a two-millimeter incision is made in the ear drum, the fluid is sucked out of the ear and the tube is inserted and secured in the incision. In most of the cases, a simple grommet is used, which drops out by itself after a few months, being pushed out by the healing eardrum. Sometimes, the permanent type of ventilation tube is used, which is called T-tube, due to its shape. This type of tube is removed by the doctor in the clinic, when it is not needed anymore.