Grommets are not permanent and tend to be pushed out by the eardrum after six months or so. When they come out, the drum heals and the eustachian tube must take over the task of ventilating the ear again. If it is not up to the job, the ear may refill with liquid and the cycle of ear trouble can recur. This may lead to more grommets being fitted. Usually, while the grommet is in place, the ear hears well and is earache-free.
Parents often notice a dramatic improvement in symptoms following grommeting.
As with all medical treatments, however, there can be problems. The most common is infection, which causes a runny ear which usually responds to antibiotics or drops. Hearing aids are very effective at improving hearing and, for various reasons are the best treatment for some children. They are less popular than grommets because, unlike grommets, they require maintenance, cannot be worn for twenty-four hours a day, do not stop earaches and are visible. Since ear problems are so prevalent in children with cleft palates, an ENT surgeon is an integral member of many cleft palate teams.