Ear Tube Discharge Instructions

Myringotomy is a procedure to put a tube into the eardrum. The tube is used to keep the hole open and to help drain fluid. Over time, the tube will fall out or be removed by a provider.

General Information

Go home and rest the remainder of the day. Your child may be sleepy throughout the day. Most patients' recover quickly from this surgery and may resume normal activities and return to daycare, school or work tomorrow.

Adults

• You will need to have someone with you the first 24 hours following surgery.

• No driving for the first 24 hours after surgery.

• No legal decisions for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Children

• Children with ear tubes may be more sensitive to cold drafts which may result in ear pain.

• Children may experience “strange” noises after ear tubes are place. This is normal

  and is of no concern unless the noises is a persistent “ringing” noise.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Diet should be limited to sips of liquids initially then advanced as tolerated.

Drainage from the Ears

• A small amount of blood-tinged fluid may drain from the ears the first several days following surgery.

• If you begin to have drainage from the ears in the weeks or months following surgery, resume the ear drops as directed if prescribed. Call the surgeon or pediatrician if the drainage persists despite treatment with the ear drops.

Ear Plugs

• No ear plugs are required for bathing or swimming in clean water. Avoid diving.

Call your surgeon if...

• Rash or suspected allergic reactions develops and stop the medication until further instruction has been given.

• Temperature remains above 101.5°F following the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

• Vomiting is occurring frequently or has persisted through the night.

• Your child has new ear pain or pain that doesn't go away with medicine.

• Your child has yellowish-green ear drainage or has a bad smell coming from the ear.