Ventialtion tube insertion

Ventilation Tube - Grommet Insertion

Our ear is connected to the back of the nose to maintain an equal pressure inside and outside in the ear, which is required for proper hearing.

When you swallow a “click” or “pop” sensation in the ear indicates that the tube is functioning normally. If the Eustachian tube is blocked, the air in the middle ear slowly absorbs and the eardrum will retract.Eventually the ear will be filled by fluid to protect the eardrum and middle ear bones. In the beginning, you will feel a sharp pain, like somebody is punching your eardrum with a needle. Later on it will change to a dull pain. If the fluid remains there for a longer time period, it will become like “glue” and could will cause reduced hearing.

“Glue ear” could get better by itself, but this can take a while. Therefore, we might ask you to visit the clinic on a regular basis for review. After a couple of weeks a decision can be made, if there is a need to operate.

Sign of the "glue ear":

poor hearing
recurrent ear discharge

Advantage of the Grommet insertion:

Ventilating “aerating” the middle ear
Reducing secretions in the middle ear
Allowing better eardrum vibration “function”

This gives the ear a chance to recover. Usually, within one year the Grommet will spontaneously dislodge and fall out once a the normal tube function is reestablished.

Expectations and advice following grommet insertion:

This is usually day case surgery but if other procedures need to be carried out as well (e.g. tonsillectomy), an overnight stay may be required
Avoid getting water into the ears as this may easily cause infection in the ears. This applies to showers, bathing, washing hair as well as swimming. Alternatively, cotton wool heavily smeared with Vaseline is an excellent and sometimes more comfortable alternative
Swimming is only permitted after the follow-up appointment has given the all clear
Avoid diving with a grommet in the ear. Earplugs must be used for all these activities
If ear discharge persists, smells foul or there is increased pain or dizziness seek help as this suggests infection and treatment with antibiotic eardrops will be required
Pain is normally fairly minimal and can be controlled with simple painkillers

Grommets usually fall out of ear in about 9 months. They spontaneously grow out and are ejected by the eardrum and therefore very rarely have to be removed. Usually they fall out of the ear and may be found on the pillow upon waking up. The eardrum usually heals up where the grommet was situated. If your grommet falls out early, do not panic. You do not need to contact your doctor immediately. You should continue keeping your ear waterproof and attend the outpatient clinic as planned.

Dr Levente Deak MD PhD is a European board certified nasal surgeon who is an active member of the Royal Collage of Surgeon and the European Academy of the Facial Plastic Surgery (EAFPS). Has over 15 years of outstanding experience in Rhinoplasty, advanced Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and nasal airway management including nasal septum and turbinate correction. Due to his defined skills, in The Right nose Clinic most of the surgical types are minimal invasive ,same day procedures.

Ventialtion tube insertion

Ventilation Tube - Grommet Insertion

Sign of the "glue ear":

Advantage of the Grommet insertion:

Expectations and advice following grommet insertion:

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