If your child has chronic ear infections, your ENT doctor may have recommended ear tubes. Before panicking, it’s important to know the facts. Allow us to debunk four ear tube myths to help ease any anxious thoughts you have:

Myth #1: Ear Tubes Are Permanent

Ear tubes were purposefully designed to be temporary! Why is that? An ear tube’s purpose is to allow the ear’s eustachian tubes to mature. Your eustachian tubes are small passages that permit equal pressure on both sides of the ear drum. A child’s eustachian tubes are much narrower than an adult which leads to blocked tubes and ear infections.

Myth #2: Ear Tubes Can Be Dislodged

Your child will not be able to reach the ear tubes, as they are placed directly into the ear drum. You do not have to worry about your child dislodging them! If your child expresses discomfort about the tubes, call your ENT doctor and we can determine the root of the problem.

Myth #3: Ear Tube Surgery is Painful

For young children, your ENT doctor will give them anesthesia so they are not awake during the procedure. Anesthesia prevents memory of the event, reduces anxiety, and treats pain. Therefore, your child will not feel any pain during the procedure!

Myth #4: Ear Tube Surgery is Lengthy

Ear tube surgery takes roughly 15 minutes. After the anesthesia has kicked in, your ENT doctor will make a small opening in the ear drum, drain the fluid, and place the tube in the opening. Afterward, the anesthesia will wear off and your child won’t even recall what happened.

The ENT Associates of Savannah Team is Here for You

Ear infections are more than just a nuisance – they can cause lifelong ear-related issues! If your child has reoccurring ear infections, ear tubes may be the answer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly ENT doctors. We’re here for you!