A tympanostomy tube, also called a grommet, myringotomy tube, ventilation tube, or pressure equalizing tube, is a small tube placed through the eardrum in a surgical procedure called a myringotomy so that the middle ear stays aerated for an extended period, most often to stop fluid from building up behind the eardrum. The tubes come in different designs, typically a short grommet shape for temporary use or a longer flanged, sometimes T-shaped, design meant to stay in place for years, and they are commonly made from fluoroplastic or silicone, materials that have largely replaced the metal tubes once made from stainless steel, titanium, or gold.
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Tympanostomy Tube
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FAQs
When are ear tubes usually recommended for children?
Persistent fluid behind the eardrum or ear infections that will not clear or keep returning.
Health guidance on ear tube insertion describes two main situations. One is fluid behind the eardrum that does not go away after 3 months when both ears are affected, or after 6 months when the fluid is only in one ear. The other is ear infections that do not go away with treatment or that keep coming back. This describes how the procedure is generally explained and is not medical advice; the decision belongs to a child's ear care provider.
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Source Tympanostomy tube (Wikipedia)
Source Tympanostomy tube (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
2. Tympanostomy tube (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanostomy_tube, lead section
Tympanostomy tube, also known as a grommet, myringotomy tube, ventilation tube, or pressure equalizing tube, is a small tube inserted into the eardrum via a surgical procedure called myringotomy to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time, typically to prevent a
Section: History
For nearly two hundred years, scientists would study and debate the potential benefits of myringotomy before German scientists Martell Frank and Gustav Lincke had the first documented use of tympanostomy tubes in 1845.
Treats: Otitis Media, Medical uses
Tympanostomy tubes are typically placed in one or both eardrums to help children suffering from recurrent acute otitis media (ear infection) or persistent otitis media with effusion (sometimes called "glue ear").
Treats: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, Medical uses
Options for use in adults include: Persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction.
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