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Tympanostomy Tube Post Op Instructions

What should be expected following a Tympanostomy Tube Placement?

  1. If your child had hearing loss before surgery, normal sounds may seem loud
    due to the immediate improvement in hearing.
  2. Your child may experience nausea, vomiting, and/or fatigue for a few hours after surgery, but this is unusual. Most children are recovered by the time they leave the hospital or surgery center. Your child should be able to progress to a normal diet when you return home.
  3. Your child may be prescribed ear drops after surgery. These are meant to keep the tubes clear and help reduce inflammation. If, however, these drops cause a burning sensation, you may stop use at that time.
  4. A post-operative appointment with a repeat hearing test is usually recommended about three weeks after surgery. In addition, to continue to provide continuity of care for your child, post-operative appointments will usually be recommended every three or four months, as long as the tubes remain in the ear (generally between 6 – 12 months).

What are some reasons you should contact your doctor after surgery?

  1. Nausea, vomiting and/or fatigue may occur for a few hours after surgery. However, if the nausea or vomiting lasts for more than 12 hours, you should contact your doctor.
  2. Drainage of middle ear fluid may be seen for two to three days following surgery. This fluid can be clear, reddish, or bloody. However, if this drainage continues beyond three days, your doctor should be contacted.
  3. Some fussiness and/or a low grade fever (99 – 101F) may be noted after surgery. But if this fever lasts into the next day or reaches 102F, please contact your doctor.
  4. Tubes will prevent ear infections from developing most of the time, but 25% of children (35% of children in day care) with tubes will get an infection. Drainage from the ear will usually indicate an infection and needs to be evaluated. You may call our office for ear drainage if you prefer.
  5. Your ear, nose and throat specialist should be contacted if two or more infections occur between scheduled office visits.