A tube is then inserted and topical antibiotic drops are added. The child is then awakened from general anesthesia and sent home the same day. These tubes are naturally extruded into the ear canal from six months to two years after insertion. On rare occasion a persistent hole may remain and require a patch to be placed. There is no limitation on activity level after having tubes placed other than to keep water out of the ear.
Water entering the middle ear can cause an otitis media.
A middle ear infection can still occur with the tubes in place but accumulated middle ear fluid easily drains out. Patients with tubes in place can go swimming as long as an ear mold is worn. In very unusual circumstances, clear watery discharge can be noted after insertion of a tymapanostomy tube. This drainage can be associated with headaches and concomitant drainage from the nose. Surgery is required to reduce the herniation.