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A cold or some other upper respiratory infection can cause the
eustachian tubes to swell, blocking the normal drainage from the middle ear.
The fluid buildup can lower your or your child's ability to hear. And the warm,
moist environment makes it easy for bacteria and viruses to grow, causing an
A small cut (incision) is made in the eardrum to allow fluid
Fluid from the middle ear drains through the incision into the
ear canal and is suctioned out by the doctor.
The temporary tube is inserted into the eardrum incision to
prevent future fluid buildup.
Current as of:
September 10, 2012
Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
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