Middle ear infections are common in young children. They also occur in adults, although less commonly. Most ear middle ear infections occur sporadically and clear quickly. However, some children and adults have recurrent middle ear infections. Others develop persistent fluid in the middle ear, which can decrease hearing. When medications fail to control these problems, tiny ear tubes may be placed in the eardrum. The tubes prevent fluid from accumulating in the middle ear, and prevent or decrease the frequency of recurrent infections. Ear tube placement is a minor surgical procedure, which is usually well tolerated. However, complications can develop.
Ear Drainage
In a 2006 study published in “Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery,” Dr. J. Hochman and colleagues reported ear drainage or otorrhea is the most common complication of ear tube placement. Antibiotic drops can reduce the incidence of otorrhea.
Perforated Eardrum
Ear tubes, also known as pressure-equalizing tubes or PE tubes, typically fall out of the eardrum after approximately 10 to 30 months, depending on the type of tubes used. Normally, the hole in the eardrum where the tube was located closes after the tube falls out. However, in some instances, the hole remains. This condition is known as a perforated eardrum. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery notes that a minor surgical procedure repairs a persistent eardrum perforation.
Eardrum Scarring
Eardrum scarring or tympanosclerosis is a possible complication of PE tubes. In a 2005 study on complications of ear tubes in children followed for three years after placement, Dr. M. Pereira and colleagues found eardrum scarring in approximately 23 percent of study participants. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery notes that most eardrum scarring does not affect hearing.
Ear Tube Persistence
The natural growth and replacement of the skin that comprises the eardrum typically causes ear tubes to fall out naturally after a time. However, ear tubes occasionally do not fall out, reports Dr. Warren Morgan of Baylor College of Medicine. Ear tubes that persist require removal by an ear nose and throat doctor.
Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is a noncancerous skin growth in the middle ear. Cholesteatoma may develop after ear tube placement, reports the Center of Excellence for Medical Multimedia of the United States Air Force and the Office of the Surgeon General. Although the growth is noncancerous, it must be removed to prevent damage to the middle ear or nearby structures. According to Dr. W. Morgan of Baylor College of Medicine, the development of cholesteatoma occurs in less than one percent of people who get ear tubes.
About this Author
Tina Andrews has been a medical writer and editor since 2000. She has published in “Cancer,” “Ethnicity & Disease,” and “Liver Health Today,” and was formerly a medical officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Andrews holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry.
