Myringotomy

When a child has frequent ear infections that do not respond to antibiotics, Dr. Alexander may recommend a procedure called Myringotomy. In this procedure, he will make a tiny incision in the eardrum and insert a small ventilating tube that will let air move between the outer ear and middle ear.

Because children have shorter and straighter eustachian tubes than adults, the eustachian tubes can more easily become blocked. The tube that is inserted into the eardrum during a Myringotomy procedure temporarily does the job of the eustachian tube.

The tubes cannot be felt, the hearing will improve, and pain from the infection will also improve. In two to eight months, the tubes will usually come out on their own due to the normal healing process. If they don't, however, they may need to be removed.

Precautions while the tubes are in place

• Stay healthy to avoid colds and additional infections
• Avoid getting water into the ears
• Sneeze with the mouth open
• Do not blow your nose
• Contact Dr. Alexander if there are any signs of drainage from the ear or other infection