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Ear Tube Surgery

© Walt Samuel

Otis media is the most common childhood infection, second to only the common cold. Twenty-five percent of those who receive ear tubes need replacements, according to The Nemour Foundation.

Children under six years of age are more likely to develop an ear infection and usually occurs 4 to 7 days after a cold. It is fairly simple to determine if your child has developed an ear infection. A few easy-to-notice symptoms are fussiness, fever, changes in appetite or sleeping patterns. The most obvious are hearing difficulties, pulling or rubbing the ear, and fluid leaking from the ear.

Infant eating techniques, environmental tobacco smoke, and allergies play a role, said James S. Reilly, M.D., Chairman of Surgery and Otolaryngology at duPont Hospital for Children. To help avoid chances of getting an infection, doctors suggest keeping the home free of dust and smoke. Cleaning the sheets on the child's bed in hot water will get rid of dust mites that can bring on infection. Vacuuming and dusting often will also help get rid of spores that trigger allergies in most people. If an ear infection is suspected, the pediatrician performs a tympanogram, an ear test to check eardrums and middle ear function. An antibiotic may be prescribed at first. If the infection is not treated with an antibiotic after a certain number of days, surgery is considered.

The Nemour Foundation reports that pediatricians disagree on a number of things concerning the surgery. This list includes antibiotic choices, the length of treatment, management of the infection, and what point ear tubes should be used.

Parents should discuss the procedure with their doctor and ask questions pertaining to the length of treatment, the severity of the case, and the actual surgery. This will help the parent decide which doctor is the right one for them.

The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis by a pediatrician or ENT (ear, nose and throat doctor). The surgery is fairly simple. Very small plastic tubes, about 1-2mm in size, are inserted into the ear to remove excess fluid causing the infection. After the surgery, hearing should be restored to normal and the infection should be reduced. Eardrops are given to treat the infection and stop any blockage that may occur due to the tubes. The tubes remain in the ear from six months to three years and typically fall out on its own without having to be surgically removed.

The cost of the procedure varies between surgeons, medical facilities, and region. The approximated cost is $1700 to $2800. The total includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesiologists fee, hospital charges, medications, and additional charges. Insurance does cover some costs, but it should be reviewed with your insurance company before the surgery.