A myringotomy is a common type of ear surgery. During the procedure,a tiny tubeis placed in an incision in the eardrum to prevent the recurrent buildup of air and fluid in themiddle ear.
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Myringotomy Surgery Explained
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Surgery purpose:
The surgery may be performed on both ears if necessary, or only one if the problem is only present on one side.
The vast majority of procedures are performed in a hospital with general anesthesia, and a laser method of myringotomy surgery can be performed in a doctor’s office with an ear numbing medication.
It is important to properly prepare children for surgery. While different children may be ready for different information based on their age and maturity level, it is important that a child knows that they are having surgery before arriving at the hospital. It is well worth the time to make sure that your child’s fears and concerns are addressed prior to the procedure.
Myringotomy Surgery for Ear Tubes
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When Is a Myringotomy Necessary?
The most common reason for a myringotomy isotitis media with effusion (OME), which is fluid accumulation in the middle ear for longer than three months.
The fluid builds up behind the eardrum, where it can be so thick that it is referred to as “glue ear.” This can interfere with hearing, and in some cases, it can affect speech development in children, especially if the problem is present in both ears.
3Adults and MyringotomyRecurrent ear infections are not common in adults because of the structure of the ear canal as it grows.Barotrauma is the most common reason for adults to have a myringotomy. Barotrauma can occur due to a significant difference between the pressure inside the ear (behind the eardrum) and outside of the ear.Major differences in pressure can occur with:Altitude changes, such as riding in an elevator in a tall building or flyingScuba divingA myringotomy may be done as a temporary measure in adults, with an incision in the eardrum that will close once the pressure is released. A tube may or may not be placed, depending on the specific reason for surgery.Ear Tubes for Adults: Everything You Need to Know
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Adults and MyringotomyRecurrent ear infections are not common in adults because of the structure of the ear canal as it grows.Barotrauma is the most common reason for adults to have a myringotomy. Barotrauma can occur due to a significant difference between the pressure inside the ear (behind the eardrum) and outside of the ear.Major differences in pressure can occur with:Altitude changes, such as riding in an elevator in a tall building or flyingScuba divingA myringotomy may be done as a temporary measure in adults, with an incision in the eardrum that will close once the pressure is released. A tube may or may not be placed, depending on the specific reason for surgery.Ear Tubes for Adults: Everything You Need to Know
Adults and Myringotomy
Recurrent ear infections are not common in adults because of the structure of the ear canal as it grows.
Barotrauma is the most common reason for adults to have a myringotomy. Barotrauma can occur due to a significant difference between the pressure inside the ear (behind the eardrum) and outside of the ear.
Major differences in pressure can occur with:
A myringotomy may be done as a temporary measure in adults, with an incision in the eardrum that will close once the pressure is released. A tube may or may not be placed, depending on the specific reason for surgery.
Ear Tubes for Adults: Everything You Need to Know
4The Surgical ProcedureThis procedure generally takes between 15 minutes to an hour, but you will spend more time at the hospital due to preparation and anesthesia.When it’s done in a hospital, general anesthesia is usually used for a myringotomy. After theanesthesiais administered, the ear is prepared with a solution that minimizes the possibility of infection.Once the ear has been prepared, the surgeon will use either a laser or a sharp instrument to create a tiny incision in the eardrum.If the surgery is being done due to a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, gentle suction may be applied to the eardrum to remove the fluid.A tympanotomy tube is then inserted in the incision, which would otherwise heal and close without the tube.After the procedure. your ear may then be packed with cotton or gauze.At this point, your surgery may be complete or your opposite ear will be treated with the same procedure.Once your surgery is complete, anesthesia is discontinued. You will be taken to the recovery room to be closely monitored while the anesthesia wears off completely.
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The Surgical ProcedureThis procedure generally takes between 15 minutes to an hour, but you will spend more time at the hospital due to preparation and anesthesia.When it’s done in a hospital, general anesthesia is usually used for a myringotomy. After theanesthesiais administered, the ear is prepared with a solution that minimizes the possibility of infection.Once the ear has been prepared, the surgeon will use either a laser or a sharp instrument to create a tiny incision in the eardrum.If the surgery is being done due to a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, gentle suction may be applied to the eardrum to remove the fluid.A tympanotomy tube is then inserted in the incision, which would otherwise heal and close without the tube.After the procedure. your ear may then be packed with cotton or gauze.At this point, your surgery may be complete or your opposite ear will be treated with the same procedure.Once your surgery is complete, anesthesia is discontinued. You will be taken to the recovery room to be closely monitored while the anesthesia wears off completely.
The Surgical Procedure
This procedure generally takes between 15 minutes to an hour, but you will spend more time at the hospital due to preparation and anesthesia.
When it’s done in a hospital, general anesthesia is usually used for a myringotomy. After theanesthesiais administered, the ear is prepared with a solution that minimizes the possibility of infection.
After the procedure. your ear may then be packed with cotton or gauze.
At this point, your surgery may be complete or your opposite ear will be treated with the same procedure.
Once your surgery is complete, anesthesia is discontinued. You will be taken to the recovery room to be closely monitored while the anesthesia wears off completely.
5The Risks of SurgeryIn addition to thegeneral risks of surgeryand the risks of anesthesia, a myringotomy procedure has its own risks.Risks of MyringotomyPermanent hole in the eardrum that does not close over time, and may require atympanoplastyto encourage healingSclerosis (hardening/thickening) of the eardrum, which can cause hearing lossScarring of the eardrum can be noted during an ear examination, but may not affect the function of the eardrumSurgical injury to the outer ear or ear canalThe need for a repeated procedure in the futureInfectionChronic drainage
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The Risks of SurgeryIn addition to thegeneral risks of surgeryand the risks of anesthesia, a myringotomy procedure has its own risks.Risks of MyringotomyPermanent hole in the eardrum that does not close over time, and may require atympanoplastyto encourage healingSclerosis (hardening/thickening) of the eardrum, which can cause hearing lossScarring of the eardrum can be noted during an ear examination, but may not affect the function of the eardrumSurgical injury to the outer ear or ear canalThe need for a repeated procedure in the futureInfectionChronic drainage
The Risks of Surgery
In addition to thegeneral risks of surgeryand the risks of anesthesia, a myringotomy procedure has its own risks.
Risks of Myringotomy
6Recovering From MyringotomyOnce the surgery is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room to be observed while the anesthesia wears off. Once you are awake and alert, your recovery can continue at home if you aren’t having post-operative complications.There is no need for incision care because the surgery is performed directly on the eardrum.If the surgery was done for serous otitis media, the fluid is sterile and completely removed before tube insertion, and there will be no discharge afterward. If you have fluid drainage that looks likepus, this means that you have developed an infection.You should protect your ear from water, which can get inside the ear through the tube. Your surgeon may recommend that you use earplugs during showers, swimming, or any activity that has a risk of water entering the ear.
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Recovering From MyringotomyOnce the surgery is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room to be observed while the anesthesia wears off. Once you are awake and alert, your recovery can continue at home if you aren’t having post-operative complications.There is no need for incision care because the surgery is performed directly on the eardrum.If the surgery was done for serous otitis media, the fluid is sterile and completely removed before tube insertion, and there will be no discharge afterward. If you have fluid drainage that looks likepus, this means that you have developed an infection.You should protect your ear from water, which can get inside the ear through the tube. Your surgeon may recommend that you use earplugs during showers, swimming, or any activity that has a risk of water entering the ear.
Recovering From Myringotomy
Once the surgery is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room to be observed while the anesthesia wears off. Once you are awake and alert, your recovery can continue at home if you aren’t having post-operative complications.
There is no need for incision care because the surgery is performed directly on the eardrum.
If the surgery was done for serous otitis media, the fluid is sterile and completely removed before tube insertion, and there will be no discharge afterward. If you have fluid drainage that looks likepus, this means that you have developed an infection.
You should protect your ear from water, which can get inside the ear through the tube. Your surgeon may recommend that you use earplugs during showers, swimming, or any activity that has a risk of water entering the ear.
7Life After MyringotomyAfter having ear tubes inserted, fluid should not recur. With a functioning tube in place, the tube keeps the middle ear pressure equal to the atmospheric pressure. This will result in decreased pain and an improvement in the ability to hear. In young children, the surgery will help improve speech.
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Life After MyringotomyAfter having ear tubes inserted, fluid should not recur. With a functioning tube in place, the tube keeps the middle ear pressure equal to the atmospheric pressure. This will result in decreased pain and an improvement in the ability to hear. In young children, the surgery will help improve speech.
Life After Myringotomy
After having ear tubes inserted, fluid should not recur. With a functioning tube in place, the tube keeps the middle ear pressure equal to the atmospheric pressure. This will result in decreased pain and an improvement in the ability to hear. In young children, the surgery will help improve speech.
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.Rosenfeld RM, Schwartz SR, Pynnonen MA, et al.Clinical practice guideline: Tympanostomy tubes in children.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;149(1 Suppl):S1-S35. doi:10.1177/0194599813487302Teschner M.Evidence and evidence gaps in the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016;15:Doc05. doi:10.3205/cto000132Zulkiflee S, Siti Sabzah M, Philip R, Mohd Aminuddin M.Management of otitis media with effusion in children.Malays Fam Physician. 2013;8(2):32-35.Luers JC, Hüttenbrink K-B.Surgical anatomy and pathology of the middle ear.J Anat. 2016;228(2):338-353. doi:10.1111/joa.12389Wallace IF, Berkman ND, Lohr KN, Harrison MF, Kimple AJ, Steiner MJ.Surgical treatments for otitis media with effusion: a systematic review.Pediatrics. 2014;133(2):296-311. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-3228Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Audiology.American Academy of Audiology Clinical Practice Guidelines: Childhood Hearing Screening.Published September 2011.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.NIDCD Fact Sheet Ear Infections in Children (NIH Publication No. 13-4799). Updated March 2013.
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.Rosenfeld RM, Schwartz SR, Pynnonen MA, et al.Clinical practice guideline: Tympanostomy tubes in children.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;149(1 Suppl):S1-S35. doi:10.1177/0194599813487302Teschner M.Evidence and evidence gaps in the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016;15:Doc05. doi:10.3205/cto000132Zulkiflee S, Siti Sabzah M, Philip R, Mohd Aminuddin M.Management of otitis media with effusion in children.Malays Fam Physician. 2013;8(2):32-35.Luers JC, Hüttenbrink K-B.Surgical anatomy and pathology of the middle ear.J Anat. 2016;228(2):338-353. doi:10.1111/joa.12389Wallace IF, Berkman ND, Lohr KN, Harrison MF, Kimple AJ, Steiner MJ.Surgical treatments for otitis media with effusion: a systematic review.Pediatrics. 2014;133(2):296-311. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-3228Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Audiology.American Academy of Audiology Clinical Practice Guidelines: Childhood Hearing Screening.Published September 2011.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.NIDCD Fact Sheet Ear Infections in Children (NIH Publication No. 13-4799). Updated March 2013.
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.
Rosenfeld RM, Schwartz SR, Pynnonen MA, et al.Clinical practice guideline: Tympanostomy tubes in children.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;149(1 Suppl):S1-S35. doi:10.1177/0194599813487302Teschner M.Evidence and evidence gaps in the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016;15:Doc05. doi:10.3205/cto000132Zulkiflee S, Siti Sabzah M, Philip R, Mohd Aminuddin M.Management of otitis media with effusion in children.Malays Fam Physician. 2013;8(2):32-35.Luers JC, Hüttenbrink K-B.Surgical anatomy and pathology of the middle ear.J Anat. 2016;228(2):338-353. doi:10.1111/joa.12389Wallace IF, Berkman ND, Lohr KN, Harrison MF, Kimple AJ, Steiner MJ.Surgical treatments for otitis media with effusion: a systematic review.Pediatrics. 2014;133(2):296-311. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-3228
Rosenfeld RM, Schwartz SR, Pynnonen MA, et al.Clinical practice guideline: Tympanostomy tubes in children.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;149(1 Suppl):S1-S35. doi:10.1177/0194599813487302
Teschner M.Evidence and evidence gaps in the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016;15:Doc05. doi:10.3205/cto000132
Zulkiflee S, Siti Sabzah M, Philip R, Mohd Aminuddin M.Management of otitis media with effusion in children.Malays Fam Physician. 2013;8(2):32-35.
Luers JC, Hüttenbrink K-B.Surgical anatomy and pathology of the middle ear.J Anat. 2016;228(2):338-353. doi:10.1111/joa.12389
Wallace IF, Berkman ND, Lohr KN, Harrison MF, Kimple AJ, Steiner MJ.Surgical treatments for otitis media with effusion: a systematic review.Pediatrics. 2014;133(2):296-311. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-3228
American Academy of Audiology.American Academy of Audiology Clinical Practice Guidelines: Childhood Hearing Screening.Published September 2011.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.NIDCD Fact Sheet Ear Infections in Children (NIH Publication No. 13-4799). Updated March 2013.
American Academy of Audiology.American Academy of Audiology Clinical Practice Guidelines: Childhood Hearing Screening.Published September 2011.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.NIDCD Fact Sheet Ear Infections in Children (NIH Publication No. 13-4799). Updated March 2013.
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