大象传媒

These instructions are to help you know what to expect after a tympanostomy, an ear tube placement. The most asked questions are answered below, but if you have other questions, please contact us.听

Physical Activity听听

Most patients go home shortly after the procedure. Because your child received a general anesthetic it is common for them to be a tired or off balance for the rest of the day.听They should rest under adult supervision the day of the procedure.听There is no听other听limit on activity.听听

Post-Operative Care听

It is common to have a little clear yellow drainage from the ear for a day or two after the surgery and you may even see a little blood. This is normal and should quickly get better. You鈥檝e been given antibiotic ear drops to use to prevent infection after surgery. You鈥檙e usually instructed to use 4 drops two times a day for 5 days, but if your surgeon has given you other instructions, follow those.听

The opening of the tubes placed in your child鈥檚 ears are small enough that it鈥檚 tough for water to get through. Surface swimming in clean pools doesn鈥檛 require ear plugs. Soapy water can get through the openings, so during bath time you should avoid pouring water directly in the ears or submerging the head all the way under water. If a听little听water听splashes听in听the ears,听that is okay.听

If you notice bad smelling or thick drainage from the ears, call us at the clinic and we will arrange for a follow up or call in a prescription for antibiotic drops.听If you have antibiotic ear drops at home, you may use those for 7 days.听

Diet听

In the recovery room you鈥檒l typically be given some clear fluids or a popsicle in case your child has some nausea after the anesthetic. Once听you鈥檙e听home there is no restriction on diet.听

Pain听

Any pain after the procedure is often mild and can be managed easily with Motrin/Ibuprofen听or Tylenol.听

Follow up听

You should have an appointment to check the tubes a few weeks after the procedure. If you don鈥檛 know听when your appointment is,听please call us.