Grommets (Ear Tubes) in Sydney

Grommet insertion for children and adults with Dr Rithvik Reddy, ENT surgeon. What grommets are, who may need them, what the procedure involves and what to expect afterwards.

Refer a patient

Recovery guide (PDF)

What are grommets?

Grommets (also called ventilation or tympanostomy tubes) are tiny tubes placed through the eardrum. They ventilate the middle ear, help clear persistent fluid, can improve fluid-related hearing loss and allow ear drops to reach an infected middle ear. Most fall out by themselves after about 6 to 18 months, depending on the tube type.

Who may need grommets?

Grommets are most often recommended for children with:

Persistent fluid behind the eardrum (glue ear or otitis media with effusion) that is affecting hearing, speech, learning or behaviour
Repeated middle ear infections (recurrent acute otitis media)
Eardrum retraction or other problems caused by poor middle ear ventilation

Adults may also benefit from grommets in selected situations, such as persistent middle ear fluid or eustachian tube problems. Dr Reddy will discuss whether grommets are right for you or your child after examining the ears and reviewing a hearing test.

What does the procedure involve?

Grommet insertion is a short day-stay procedure under a brief general anaesthetic. A tiny opening is made in the eardrum, any fluid is removed, and the grommet is placed in the opening. There are no cuts on the outside of the ear. Most patients go home within a couple of hours and recover quickly. Grommets are often combined with adenoid removal when the adenoids are contributing to the problem.

Recovery after grommets

Mild ear discomfort, a feeling of fullness or slight unsteadiness for a day or so is common and usually settles quickly.
Hearing often improves noticeably once fluid has been removed. Sounds may seem unusually loud at first.
A small amount of clear or blood-tinged fluid from the ear for the first day or two is normal.
Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen are usually enough for discomfort. Children often return to school or childcare the next day.
Antibiotic ear drops may be prescribed for a few days after surgery.

Swimming and water care

Routine earplugs, headbands and avoiding swimming or bathing are not necessary for most patients with grommets. If the ear is comfortable and dry, normal bathing and surface swimming are usually fine. Temporary precautions may be advised if there is ear discharge or discomfort when water enters the ear.

Follow-up

An ear check and hearing test 1 to 3 months after surgery to confirm the grommet is working and the hearing has improved.
Periodic checks every 6 to 12 months while the grommet is in place.
Most grommets fall out on their own. A small number of patients need another set, and occasionally a small hole remains in the eardrum after a grommet falls out.

When to contact the rooms

Persistent or foul-smelling ear discharge, especially with fever or increasing pain
Discharge that does not improve after a few days of prescribed ear drops
Severe ear pain, marked dizziness or a sudden drop in hearing

For full aftercare instructions, including how to use ear drops, see the grommet recovery guide (PDF).

Referral

GPs, paediatricians and other specialists can refer via HealthLink (Macarthur ENT EDI: macarent; My-ENT EDI: myentdr), email referrals@drrithvikreddy.com or use the online referral form. Dr Reddy consults in Sydney CBD, Gregory Hills and Campbelltown.

Dr Rithvik Reddy

Expert ENT services for adults and children.

Contact for appointments

Referring doctors can email referrals@drrithvikreddy.com to make appointment

Macarthur ENT

Shop 2101, Level 2, 31A Lasso Rd, Gregory Hills NSW 2557

Suite 102, Building B, Level 1, 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560

Phone (02) 4625 1682 · Fax (02) 4625 1032

Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

My-ENT, Sydney CBD

Suite 303, Level 3, BMA House, 135 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone (02) 9247 1762 · Fax (02) 9247 2141

Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm