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Patient Information
Ear Tubes — A Caregiver's Guide
4. What are the possible complications, or problems, of ear tubes?
• Scarring: A white mark from scarring (sclerosis) or a small depression or pocket
may be seen on the eardrum, but this usually does not affect hearing or cause
infections and is usually of no concern.
• Perforation: About 1–2 out of every 100 children will still have a hole
(perforation) in the eardrum after a short-term tube falls out, with up to 1 in
every 5 children having a perforation after a long-term tube. The hole will often
close on its own, but if it does not, it can be repaired in the operating room as a
day surgery procedure.
• Tubes falling in: Tubes almost always fall out of the eardrum into the ear canal.
Very rarely a tube can fall into the middle ear but usually does not cause any
problem and can be removed, if needed.
• Tubes not coming out: Many tubes come out of the eardrum by 18 months. If
the tube is still in after 2 to 3 years, or longer, it can be removed.
• Tubes coming out too early: In rare cases the tube may fall out before 6 months,
but many children will have improved by that time. For those who continue to
get ear fluid or frequent ear infections a tube may need to be replaced.
5. Does my child need ear plugs when exposed to water?
Your child will not usually need ear plugs for swimming and bathing while the
tubes are in place and open. Head bands or other special efforts to keep water
from entering the ear canal are also unnecessary but may be helpful in the
following situations:
• Pain or discomfort when water enters the ear canal
• Current fluid or drainage from the ear canal (an ear infection with the tube), or
your child has had frequent drainage
• Swimming in lakes or non-chlorinated pools that are not clean
• Dunking head in the bathtub (soapy water passes through the tiny hole in the
tube easier than plain water)
There are several types of soft ear plugs or ear putty available, as well as neoprene
headbands to cover the ears. NEVER use Play-Doh or Silly Putty as an ear plug
— these materials can become trapped in the ear canal and even require surgical
removal.
