Your ear is a complex structure that relies on cartilage and small bones to support hearing. Particularly, the middle ear plays an important role in carrying sound waves from your outer to inner ear. Some people experience trouble with their middle ears, and they benefit from ear tubes that help drain fluid and prevent infection.
What are Ear Tubes?
Ear tubes are small, hollow tubes an ENT doctor inserts into the middle ear to drain fluids. They support the middle ear, so it is less likely to become infected. Ear tubes are also called tympanostomy tubes, myringotomy tubes, pressure equalization tubes, or ventilation tubes.
They are commonly prescribed for children who experience frequent ear infections, but they can benefit adults, too.
Signs You May Need Ear Tubes
If you have any of these five symptoms, you might benefit from getting ear tubes. Talking with a doctor is the only way to determine for certain whether ear tubes are the right treatment for you.
At our Nashville hearing center, we believe education is an important part of quality patient care. We hope this information helps you learn more about your own health and take the right next steps for your ear care.
1. Multiple Ear Infections
Chronic ear infections come from swelling and fluid buildup, trapping bacteria in the middle ear. Repeated ear infections can lead to ongoing pain and even scarring of the inner ear.
An ear infection also causes swelling of the eustachian tube, an opening that connects your middle ear to the back of your throat. Children’s eustachian tubes are naturally narrower and more horizontal than adults’, so they are more prone to causing infection.
Ear tubes can improve ventilation and drainage throughout the middle ear, which lowers your risk of ear infections.
2. Hearing Loss
Too much fluid in your ear can make it harder to hear. People who have no underlying conditions may notice hearing loss if their ear does not drain fluid effectively. Hearing loss can also impact communication across all ages, and delay speech development in children.
The small opening made during ear tube surgery can immediately help drain fluid buildup and improve your hearing. Wearing ear tubes can restore lost hearing instantly.
3. Eardrum Collapse
A collapsed eardrum, also called a retracted eardrum, can cause hearing loss, pain, infection, balance problems, and a constant ringing sound (tinnitus). The primary cause of eardrum collapse is eustachian tube dysfunction. Any type of problem with them can lead to a pressure imbalance in the ears, which makes the eardrum fall inward.
In some cases, a doctor might suggest using ear tubes to help stabilize the pressure in your middle ear. There are also other non-surgical treatments to explore; the right solution will depend on the severity of your collapse, and its impact on your health and comfort.
4. Loss of Balance
There are extremely thin sensors inside of your inner ears that rely on pressure to help you stay balanced. When the pressure is thrown off, you can also find yourself struggling to stay steady. Ear infections, retracted ear drums, and problems with your eustachian tubes can also lead to balance problems.
Wearing ear tubes can help equalize the pressure in your ears, which improves your balance as well.
5. Ear trauma
Any type of ear trauma could cause serious damage to your inner and middle ear; whether it’s loud sounds, physical trauma, or inserting objects (like Q-tips), into your ears, the effects may lead to symptoms that require ear tubes to correct.
Signs of ear trauma include pain, infection, dizziness, balance problems, and hearing loss.
Depending on the type of trauma you have and symptoms you’re experiencing, the doctor may recommend ear tubes to help your ears heal and prevent further damage.
Contact Your ENT Doctor Today!
Reach out to our Nashville hearing center today and connect with an experienced ear, nose, and throat doctor who can help diagnose your condition. We offer patient-centered care that always puts your comfort and wellbeing first.
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