Grommet Insertion

A grommet (also known as an 'Ear Tube' and a 'Tympanostomy Tube') is a tiny tube placed inside a patient's ear in order to ensure an air passage within the ear and to prevent the accumulation of mucus. The tubes main purpose is to prevent repetition of ear infections.

The human hear is made of three parts, the inner, the outer and the middle parts. The middle part of the ear is connected to the back of the nose and acts as an airspace. This airspace helps maintain equal pressure in order for the eardrum to vibrate efficiently. When there is a buildup of fluids in the middle part of the ear, it cannot drain fluids properly in the back of nose.

The buildup of fluid in the middle ear results in a sticky 'egg white like' matter, which if not drained will eventually stop the sound from passing through the eardrum. The longer the fluid remains, the less likely it is for the situation to be resolved on its own. As a result, most patients will experience hearing loss and in prolonged cases, ear infections. An insertion of a grommet into the patient's ear will correct the blockage and recreate the airway in order to drain the fluid and keep the middle ear open.

Grommets are tiny little tubes, usually made out of different types of plastic (silicone or teflon) that are inserted into the eardrum. The grommet is basically doing the work that the Eustachian tube (the middle ear part) should be doing. In America grommets are simply known as "ventilation tubes".

Ear Tube Surgery

Grommet Insertion Surgery

The surgery is performed by an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. As younger patients are put under general anesthesia and adults will be put under local anesthesia, the first step will be an eardrum incision, in order for the surgeon to drain all the fluid found in the middle ear by suction. Once the ear is drained, the tiny plastic tube is placed through the incision, performed previously inside the eardrum, in order to keep the middle ear ventilated.

If any fluid starts to appear within time, the air flowing through the tube will dry it up, preventing from any buildup reoccurring in the patient's ear.

The hospital stay is short as this is a one-day procedure and patients will be released on the same day of the surgery. Once the ear tube is inserted, it will take anywhere from 6-8 weeks for the fluid in the ear to dry up and the patient's hearing to return to normal. The grommet stays inserted in the ear drum for approximately 9 months to one year, until the eardrum naturally pushes the grommet out and heals up where the grommet was positioned. The grommet will rarely have to be removed by a medical procedure.

Grommet Insertion Surgery Abroad

TicketMed works with top ear, nose and throat doctors around the world. When you are diagnosed with the need for ear tubes implants, we will be happy to assist you exploring your options and then connecting you with top clinics around the globe that perform the procedure. Contact us or ask for a quote.