Grommets and ear problems
PART 3 OF 3
Deciding about grommet surgery.
Click on each of the following questions to discover the answers.
WHAT IS GROMMET SURGERY?
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A doctor puts a tiny tube (Grommet) in each ear.
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These tubes help air go in and clear the fluid.
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WHEN DOES MY CHILD NEED GROMMETS?
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If they get lots of ear infections.
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If trouble hearing affects their talking or school-work.
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WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE THERE?
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Wait and see - most children get better on their own.
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Hearing aids can help with hearing problems.
Hearing aids need check-ups at the hospital.
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LOOKING AFTER GROMMETS
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Keep water out of the ears.
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When washing hair, put vaseline on a cotton ball in your child's ears.
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Swimming is okay, but use earplugs if they go underwater a lot.
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WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF GROMMET SURGERY?
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Your child may have fluid coming from their ears for a day or two after surgery.
This is normal.
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Some children may have fluid coming from their ears later on.
This may need antibiotic ear drops.
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Sometimes, the grommet leaves a small hole in the ear drum.
This might need another surgery to fix.
This is rare.
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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE GROMMETS COME OUT?
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Grommets don’t last forever.
They fall out on their own in 6 to 18 months.
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Most children's ears get better as they grow.
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See a doctor if you are worried about your child’s ears.
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Disclaimer: This publication is designed for the information of patients. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information contained may not be comprehensive and patients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice.