Using a microscope, the ear surgeon makes a small cut in the eardrum. Any fluid in the middle ear is removed. The tube is put in the eardrum hole and stays in place without any stitches. Surgery on both eardrums takes less than 20 minutes. Recovery from anesthesia is rapid and your child will be able to go home in about 1 hour.
Many children can hear better right away after the ear tubes have been put in.
The child may be frightened by normal noises that now seem loud. This will go away as soon as your child gets used to hearing normal sound volumes. Most children are back to normal a few hours after surgery and don't have any pain. If your child is fussy or runs a fever after surgery, give acetaminophen every 4 hours according to the directions for your child's age. Your child may feel sick to his stomach or throw up right after surgery.