Grommets in Children: What Parents Should Know
Grommets (also known as tympanostomy tubes) are small tubes inserted into the eardrum to help drain fluid from the middle ear. They are often recommended for children who experience glue ear or frequent ear infections, especially if fluid builds up behind the eardrum, affecting hearing and speech development and can help prevent recurrent ear infections.
The procedure is usually quick and done under general anaesthesia. A tiny incision is made in the eardrum, and a small tube is placed to allow air to flow into the middle ear, helping to clear the fluid. Most children recover quickly, and the procedure generally provides long-term relief from ear infections and hearing loss.
Grommets are often considered if your child has had persistent ear problems for 3 months or more, or if they experience frequent ear infections (more than 3 in 6 months). They are especially beneficial if glue ear is affecting hearing and language development.
While grommet insertion is a safe procedure, there are some risks, including infection, blockage of the tube, a hole being left in the eardrum (perforation), rarely worsening of hearing or the tube falling out early. These risks are low, but it’s important to follow your ENT specialist’s aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
If your child is struggling with recurrent ear infections or hearing problems, consulting an ENT specialist can help determine if grommets are the right option for them.