Generally speaking, PET placement is common, simple, and a safe procedure that rarely results in serious complications. Here are some potential complications:
Early extrusion: Occasionally, tubes may come out earlier than expected. Thin eardrums have a higher risk of early extrusion. In this case, PET may have to be replaced.
Persistent drainage: Despite the benefit of aerating the middle ear. Ear infections may recur. When an infection occurs the ear will drain since the tube allows the infection to escape out of the ear. If this occurs, you or your child will require antibiotic eardrops instead of oral (by-mouth) antibiotics.
Eardrum Perforation: Once the tube comes out, some eardrums may not close or heal completely. Long-lasting tubes (large tubes) and thinned eardrums have a much higher rate of persistent perforation (up to 10%). If this occurs, a second minor procedure may be required to close the hole.
Persistent PET: Uncommonly, a PET may persist in the eardrum for years. In this case, the tube may be removed.
Hearing Loss: Although extremely rare, PET may damage the bone of hearing in the middle ear. If this occurs, repair of the bones may be required.
Tympanosclerosis: Tympanosclerosis is scarring of the eardrum. For the vast majority of patients, this has no clinical or hearing significance.
Risk from Anesthesia: Some PETs are placed under masked general anesthesia (you will be asleep). Although extremely rare, complications may occur from the medicines and the anesthesia procedure.