Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Ear tubes, also calledventilation tubes, are tiny synthetic tubes that are surgically placed in the eardrum to lessen the chance of getting chronicmiddle ear infectionsorfluid in the ear.
However, even with ear tubes in place, getting an ear infection is possible. Ear infection symptoms with tubes are similar to those that occur without tubes. But with functioning tubes, the ear will drain, and there is usually less pain.
This article will discuss symptoms of ear infections with tubes and how they are diagnosed and treated.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Symptoms of Infections With Ear Tubes
Symptoms of an ear infection with tubes in your ears are similar to symptoms of an ear infection without tubes. But with functioning ventilating tubes the ear will drain and the infection is usually less painful. Symptoms may include the following:
When to Call a DoctorAny of the symptoms listed above warrant a call to your healthcare provider orotolaryngologist(an ear, nose, and throat doctor), so you can be examined for an ear infection.
When to Call a Doctor
Any of the symptoms listed above warrant a call to your healthcare provider orotolaryngologist(an ear, nose, and throat doctor), so you can be examined for an ear infection.
Information for Parents About Ear Tubes
Diagnosing Ear Infections With Tubes
If you experience symptoms, your otolaryngologist or other physician might suspect an ear infection and ask you to come in for an examination.
Your healthcare provider will check for signs of an infection, including redness, and can also make sure that the tubes are still in their proper place, since it is possible for tubes to fall out or move.
How Ear Infections Are Diagnosed
Developing an ear infection with tubes in place does not mean that the tubes need to be replaced.Tubes may need to be replaced if they have moved, fallen out, or are severely clogged and cannot be cleared.
Developing an ear infection with tubes in place does not mean that the tubes need to be replaced.
Tubes may need to be replaced if they have moved, fallen out, or are severely clogged and cannot be cleared.
Treating Ear infections With Tubes
Treatment for ear infections in people with tubes is usually antibiotic ear drops. Oral antibiotics can usually be avoided. Options include:
At-Home Remedies
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), or Motrin (ibuprofen), can be used to lessen ear infection pain.
Other ways to help relieve ear infection pain at home include:
If you get an ear infection when you have tubes in your ears, avoid putting anything inside your without discussing it with your healthcare provider first. Some types of ear drops could potentially damage the middle ear, causing problems such ashearing loss.
Certain Ear Drops
Only specific ear drops can be used for people who get ear infections with tubes in their ears to avoid accidentally damaging delicate inner ear structures.
Ear drops may have an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory medication in them or be a combination of the two types of drugs.
Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone) is a combination ear drop that is often prescribed for the treatment of ear infections with tubes. It will not damage the structures of the middle ear. Ear drops with neomycin-polymyxin-HC (Cortisporin) should not be used in people with ear tubes.
Oral Antibiotics
Most of the time, symptoms of ear infections will resolve on their own. In more severe or long-lasting cases, or when other treatments aren’t working, a healthcare provider may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the infection.
Possible Complications
Most ear infections with tubes are easily treated. However, in rare, complications can occur, including:
Rarely, an ear infection spreads and can lead tomastoiditis(infection of the bones surrounding the ear) ormeningitis.
Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:
Summary
Ear tubes are commonly placed in children and adults who experience frequent or chronic ear infections. Still, it is possible to get an ear infection even with tubes. Symptoms and treatment options are the same with or without tubes, although certain types of ear drops should not be used in those with tubes.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Otolaryngology, ENT Health.Ear tubes.University of Rochester.Middle ear infection (otitis media) in adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infections.Mount Sinai. Pediatric otolaryngology update.Ear tubes. Vol. 1 Issue 2, Winter 2020.Penn Medicine.Ear infection (middle ear).
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Otolaryngology, ENT Health.Ear tubes.University of Rochester.Middle ear infection (otitis media) in adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infections.Mount Sinai. Pediatric otolaryngology update.Ear tubes. Vol. 1 Issue 2, Winter 2020.Penn Medicine.Ear infection (middle ear).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Otolaryngology, ENT Health.Ear tubes.University of Rochester.Middle ear infection (otitis media) in adults.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infections.Mount Sinai. Pediatric otolaryngology update.Ear tubes. Vol. 1 Issue 2, Winter 2020.Penn Medicine.Ear infection (middle ear).
American Academy of Otolaryngology, ENT Health.Ear tubes.
University of Rochester.Middle ear infection (otitis media) in adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infections.
Mount Sinai. Pediatric otolaryngology update.Ear tubes. Vol. 1 Issue 2, Winter 2020.
Penn Medicine.Ear infection (middle ear).
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