Myringotomy (Ear Tubes)

One of the most common conditions we see is recurrent middle ear infections (otitis media). Most parents of young children have dealt with ear infection at one time or another. But when they become chronic or begin interfering with your child’s hearing, doctors may suggest treatment with “ear tubes.”

The medical term for this is myringotomy, and the tubes themselves are called tympanostomy tubes.) A surgeon performing a myringotomy makes a tiny opening in the child’s eardrum to provide a way to remove fluid or infection from the middle ear. Small tubes may be placed in the opening permit proper drainage and allow air into the middle ear.

Nemours doctors perform thousands of these procedures each year. This high volume makes us very experienced in tube placement, which translates to better outcomes for the children receiving them.

If your child needs ear tubes, we’re pleased to offer access to an online pre-surgical educational program about the procedure that you can watch with your child on any computer. Created by Emmi® Kids, this easy-to-use animated program will help both you and your child better understand the procedure and what to expect at every step. There is an Emmi program for traditional tonsillectomy as well.