Ventilation Tubes (Grommets)

“Grommets” are tiny tubes placed in the ear drum to ventilate the space on the other side, known as the middle ear. They are placed most commonly in children, for either recurrent ear infections, or for persisting middle ear fluid (glue ear), which affects hearing.

 After Surgery

  • Pain following this surgery is usually minimal.

  • One or two doses of paracetamol may be required

  • You may be prescribed ear drops to use post operatively. These should be used for 3 to 5 days unless advised differently. Rarely these can sting or cause discomfort when placed – if worried please contact me.

  • Keep the ears dry until your first post operative review. You can use cotton-wool dipped in Vaseline in each ear when having a bath or shower.

Swimming

  • Avoid swimming until your surgeon has advised (usually about 2 weeks after insertion)

  • When swimming re-starts, avoid any diving more than 1 metre depth.

  • If ear discharge occurs, please contact the rooms, and keep the ears away from water.

Follow up after surgery

  • A follow up appointment is typically arranged for 6 weeks after surgery. Typically a hearing test will be arranged prior.

  • If there are any other concerns, please contact the rooms.

One of the following audiology groups may be used for any follow up hearing tests.