Grommets

Grommets are tiny tubes that are put inside the eardrums to help air flow into the middle ear and allow fluid to drain away. This is done by a doctor called an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Grommets are also known as tympanostomy tubes, drainage tubes or ventilation tubes.

They are most commonly used for children who have ongoing glue ear (fluid build-up behind the eardrum), recurrent ear infections, or hearing problems caused by fluid in the middle ear.

You can have grommets as an adult or as a child.

One of the main benefits of grommets is improved hearing. Grommets may also:

• reduce the number of ear infections
• improve sleep (if ear pressure or infections are causing discomfort)
• support speech and language development when hearing has been affected
• improve concentration and overall quality of life

Not all children will need grommets. Speak with your doctor or specialist to see what the best option is for you or your child.

Grommets are inserted in a short operation called myringotomy with tympanostomy tube insertion, or ventilation tube insertion.

The surgeon makes a tiny opening in the eardrum (myringotomy), removes any fluid trapped behind it and places a small grommet into the opening.

It is usually a day procedure in hospital under general anaesthetic. The surgery usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes, but you may be in the operating room for about 30 to 45 minutes. This includes time for the anaesthetic, the operation and recovery.

Most people will go home a few hours later.

Before the procedure, staff will give you instructions about when you or your child should stop eating or drinking, what time to arrive at the hospital and how long you may need to stay.

It's a good idea to explain the procedure to your child in simple reassuring language. Let them know that doctors and nurses will be looking after them and that you will be there before and after the procedure.

Tell your healthcare team if you or your child:

• have any allergies
• take any medicines
• have a cold, fever or other illness before the procedure

Most people feel better quickly. After the procedure, it's common to notice:

• mild ear discomfort
• a small amount of oozing or bleeding for a day or 2 after surgery
• improved hearing over the first few days

Medicines such as paracetamol can help with mild pain. Follow the instructions on the package, or ask your pharmacist for advice.

Your doctor or specialist may recommend a hearing test after surgery and regular follow-up appointments while the grommets are in place.

It's important to keep the ears dry if they have grommets. Dirty water in the ears can cause ear infections.

To help prevent infections, your child should:

• not go swimming for one week after the surgery
• use earplugs, swimming caps or ear wraps in the bath or shower
• use earplugs or a cap when swimming
• have a hearing test soon after the operation to check if their hearing has improved

Grommet insertion is a common and safe procedure, but all procedures have some risks.

Possible complications include:

• ear infections while the grommets are still in place that may need antibiotics
• ongoing discharge (fluid) from the ear
• the grommet falling out sooner than expected
• scarring of the eardrum
• a small hole in the eardrum that does not close after the grommets fall out, which may need another operation to close it

Contact your doctor if you notice ear pain, fever or fluid coming from the ear that lasts more than a few days.

Grommets are not permanent. They usually fall out by themselves after 6 to 12 months. How long they stay in depends on the size, shape and material of the grommet.

After a grommet falls out, the small hole in the eardrum will usually heal quickly by itself.

Some people do not need any further treatment. Sometimes ear fluid may build up again and need monitoring, hearing tests or another set of grommets.

A follow-up appointment is important to check that the eardrum has healed properly and that fluid has not returned.

In some people, glue ear or recurrent infections can get better on their own over time.

Your doctor may recommend monitoring you or your child's hearing and symptoms before recommending surgery.

Depending on your child's age, hearing level and symptoms, other treatments may include hearing aids, treatment for enlarged adenoids or ongoing review by a doctor or specialist. The most suitable treatment will depend on your child's needs.

Some people improve without treatment. However, ongoing ear infections can sometimes cause long-term hearing problems.

If hearing loss continues for a long time, it may affect:

• speech and language development
• behaviour
• mental health

If you have any concerns, speak with your doctor. They can explain the risks and benefits based on your situation.

NSW Health has fact sheets for further information, including:

• grommets procedure (Opens in new tab)
• ear problems in children (Opens in new tab)
• hearing loss in children (Opens in new tab)

Children's Health Queensland has a fact sheet (Opens in new tab) about grommets, including information about the operation, recovery and when to seek help.

Languages other than English

Visit the Therapeutic Goods Administration website for a guide (Opens in new tab) on questions to ask about medical implants. The information is available in English and other languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgeons has information sheets (Opens in new tab) for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, including grommets and myringoplasty.