At Commonwealth ENT, we care about your child’s ear development and health. That is why we offer ear tubes for children and adults that suffer from chronic ear infections. Not only are chronic ear infections recurring, irritating and painful, but they can contribute to delays in speech development if left untreated.
What are ear tubes?
Ear tubes are small tubes made of high grade plastic that are inserted into the eardrum to help drainage and hearing. They are also known as tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, myringotomy tubes or pressure equalization tubes. They provide ventilation for the middle ear and prevent the buildup of fluid behind the eardrum.
Does my child need them?
If your child has persistent ear infections, 3 or more in a six month period, it may be time to place ear tubes. Commonwealth ENT works in a collaborative manner with your child’s pediatrician to help determine if ear tubes are necessary. As children begin to develop speech, it is important to make sure they have good hearing. At Commonwealth ENT, we can perform a hearing evaluation on your child to determine if fluid in the middle ear is affecting your child’s hearing.
Ear tube insertion
Ear tube insertion is a relatively simple procedure that is done in a doctor’s office. The child is given general anesthesia so that they are unconscious and do not feel any pain. A small incision is made in the eardrum, and the tubes are inserted. Ear tubes can stay in place for 6 months to 2 years and will usually fall out on their own.
If you or your child suffers from persistent ear infections, call Commonwealth ENT today at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443. Our goal is to help your child start feeling better and improve his or her quality of life.