Never touch the grommet if it is visible in the canal. It may have to be inserted again depending on the circumstances. Another cause of conductive hearing loss is ear infection. An ear infection occurs in only one ear at a time and is accompanied by fever, ear pain, and some fluid. Recurrent, chronic ear infections are the causes for hearing loss.
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.