Treatment is antibiotics or ventilation tubes. Ventilation tubes are only considered after a history of consistent ear infections. A small cut is made in the eardrum and the fluid in the middle ear is gently sucked out. A tine plastic tube is put into the slit in the eardrum to drain the additional fluid buildup. Most tubes stay in place for approximately 6 - 12 months.
Most children are unaware when the tubes fall out.
Sinus problems and allergies are other factors to consider in respect to conductive hearing loss. Both sinus problems and allergies affect the external ear leading to the eardrum. If there is an infection, the ear swells. The fluid builds up from and is discharged from different areas - including the sinuses. When the fluid build up, the eustachian tube becomes swollen and blocked.