How long do ear tubes last in toddlers?

Even with ear tubes, your child may still get an occasional ear infection. Usually, an ear tube stays in the eardrum for four to 18 months and then falls out on its own. Sometimes, a tube doesn’t fall out and needs to be surgically removed.

Are ear tubes safe for toddlers?

Ear tube surgery is a safe procedure and doesn’t pose much serious risk. However, your child could have: Bleeding or infection. Scars or weakness in the eardrum.

What to expect after toddler gets tubes in ears?

Most children have little pain after ear tube placement and usually recover quickly. Your child will feel tired for a day. But your child should be able to go back to school or daycare the day after surgery. Your child may want your attention more for the first few days after surgery.

How common are ear tubes in toddlers?

It is the most common reason for kids to see their doctor! About one in every fifteen kids will get ear tubes by age three. At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, we treat thousands of children with ear infections each year.

What are the side effects of getting tubes in your ears?

Ear tubes side effects: What are risks and complications of ear tubes?

  • Failure to resolve the ear infections.
  • Thickening of the eardrum over time, which affects hearing in a small percentage of patients.
  • Persistent perforation after the tube falls out of the eardrum.
  • Chronic ear drainage.
  • Infection.
  • Hearing loss.

Does it hurt to get ear tubes removed?

The process has little pain and a high success rate. Children undergoing surgery will also benefit from improved sleep, fewer ear infections, and faster recovery. Make sure to follow the instructions of the doctor during recovery. If ear infections are becoming the norm, speak with an ENT about ear tubes today.

Can ear tubes cause speech delay?

Mild speech and language delays may naturally go away since the child can distinguish things they could not before. If delays were already significant though, they may have become habits that remain even after the tubes, so further speech and language therapy may be needed.

Can child swim with tubes in ears?

Ear Tubes And Swimming If you have ear tubes, you cannot swim. Earplugs should be worn during swimming to protect your child against ear infections and to protect their ear tubes.

At what age should ear tubes be removed?

Kids under age 7 are more prone to recurrent ear infections than older kids, says El-Bitar. Therefore, removing tubes before then will expose the child to more infections — and possible need for tube reinsertion. However, tubes should be removed once a child reaches age 7 to prevent complications, El-Bitar adds.