How Long Do Grommets Stay In The Ear In A Child?

Posted on Fri, 18 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 Answered on

Fri, 9 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My son is currently five years old. He had ear tubes placed in both ears when he was two years old. The ear tubed have not migrated out on their own and the doctor says we should consider having them removed at this point. She says there is no evidence of scarring or other issues with the tubes other then the fact that they are still in. Of course, my concern is the anesthesia. My son is very bright, does well in kindergarten and is already reading. He is very active however, and is always moving and bouncing around. Since the doctor says we should "consider" having the tubes removed is it better to wait and avoid the anesthesia exposure right now or go ahead and get the tubes out. thoughts?

I forgot to include the procedure the doctor recommended.

She says she would do a fat patch myringoplasty.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I do not see any urgency.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HelathcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concern. Let me state that most often the gromets (the small tubes that have been put in the ear drum) come out on their own. It is really not a big deal if the gromets do not come out on their own. They are not going to do any harm and unless you have plans to start swimming lessons for your child (wherein the child has to dip his ears in water) there is hardly anything to worry. Eventually if it still does not come out, the option of surgical removal (as suggested) is always there for you to opt for. Anesthesia has its risks but if a qualified anesthsist administers it he would definitely keep the factors in consideration and I do not expect anything to go wrong. However, I doubt if the process is really needed (as a future option would always be present).

You will have to take a decision based on your judgment. I have indicated my choice.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar