Tympanostomy Tube

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.