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A grommet is a plastic tube that is placed in ear drum to allow ventilation of the middle ear (G1).





























Common reasons for inserting grommets
Glue ear with hearing loss (G2)




















Recurrent ear infections (recurrent acute otitis media)
Retraction of the tympanic membrane

The operation is performed as a daycase under general anaesthesia.
The surgical time is about 10 minutes but the whole procedure with the anaesthetic can take about half an hour.

How is it done ? (G3 - G6)
1. An small cut is made in the eardrum.
2. The fluid in the middle ear (if present) is removed by suction.
3. The grommet is placed into the incision in the eardrum.

















































What to expect after the operation

The surgery is relatively painless and most children are back to their normal selves within a couple of hours after waking from anaesthesia. They are not aware of the presence of the grommet .
If there is some discomfort this will respond well to Calpol or Neurofen.
There may be some discharge from the ears which usually settles within a few days.
Antibiotic drops are prescribed to use in the ears for a few days to stop any discharge drying and blocking the grommet.

Children may go return to school a couple of days after the operation.

A clinic check is needed 2 weeks after surgery to ensure that the grommet is functioning.

Questions and Answers

Q: How do I take care of grommets?
A: Care is needed to avoid water getting through the grommet behind the ear drum as this will cause an infection. This is mainly an issue with washing with soapy water and it is best that the ear is blocked to prevent this from happening. This can be done by using swim plugs or simply by placing cotton wool smeared with Vaseline into the ear.

Q: Can my child swim?
A: Swimming is usually not a problem, however if your child likes to jump into the water or swim underwater then it would be best to wear swim plugs.
Swimming in the sea is more risky because of the waves and swim plugs are recommended.

Q: Do the grommets have to be removed?
A: No, the grommets normally come out by themselves, usually after 9 to 18 months. They are carried out of the ear canal naturally.

Q: When the grommets fall out, will my child need another set?
A: About 20 – 25% of children who have had a set of grommets will develop glue ear again and need a further set of grommets.

Q: Are there any problems that may happen with grommets?
A: Ear infections are the most common complication from grommet insertion. About 25% of children will have one ear infection while the grommet is in place. These present as a discharge and are not usually painful. Infections are often due to water contamination and swimming may have to be restricted if a frequent problem. They may also occur with a cold that results in a middle ear infection which discharges through the grommet. Treatment consists of topical antibiotics and avoiding water contamination. Sometimes oral antibiotics are needed.
It is important to have the ear checked after the infection has resolved to ensure that the grommet has not been pushed out or become blocked.

After the grommet comes out the hole behind usually closes. In 1-2% of children this may not happen. If this fails to close then further surgery is needed to close the perforation and this is carried out after the age of 8 years.