Grommet Insertion (child)
This webpage will give you information about a grommet
insertion. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is glue ear?
Glue ear is a common condition where fluid collects in the
middle ear behind the eardrum (see figure 1). It can cause
deafness, recurrent earache or a discharge from the ear.
Figure 1: Blocking of the eustachian tube causes glue ear
What are the benefits of surgery?
A grommet (small plastic or metal tube) allows air to enter the
middle ear, preventing fluid build up.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
The condition will almost always get better by itself.
Surgery is recommended if the glue ear continues for longer than
three months and is causing problems with poor hearing, slow speech
development, repeated ear infections, slow school progress or
behavioural problems.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic.
Your surgeon will make a small hole in the eardrum and remove
the fluid by suction. They will then place a plastic or metal
grommet in the hole.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Fluid leaking from the ear
- Ear discharge
- Small hole left in the ear drum after the grommet falls
out
- Repeated build-up of fluid in the middle ear
How soon will my child recover?
Your child should be able to go home the same day.
Other than swimming, your child should be able to return to
normal activities after 24 hours.
The grommet will fall out of your child’s ear by itself, after
nine to twelve months for the plastic type and after about two
years for the metal type.
Summary
Glue ear is a common condition that usually gets better without
any surgery. Surgery is recommended when the condition lasts longer
than three months and the hearing loss is causing problems with
speech or schooling.
Acknowledgements
Author: Miss Ruth Capper MD FRCS (ORL-HNS)
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2006 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
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The information should not replace advice that
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