Introduction
Grommets are small tubes that are inserted into the ear drums (tympanic membranes) to ventilate the middle ear spaces. They are generally inserted when patients have had recurrent middle ear infections or when they have been troubled by hearing loss that is due to fluid collecting in the middle ears.
Prior to inserting grommets, all patients should have an audiogram (hearing test).
Before the Surgery
Reading Materials
Please read this page and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ information sheet (“Treatment with grommets”) so you understand the procedure, the benefits and risks associated with this procedure and the expected outcomes of surgery. The information sheet will be given to you when booking your operation.
Fasting
As you will be fasting prior to surgery, it is important you drink plenty of fluids and have a good meal before the fast begins.
After the Surgery
Drip (intravenous cannula)
You will wake up with a drip in one hand. The needle of the drip has been removed and what is left is simply a plastic tube to deliver fluids or medications through this route - you can still move and use that hand gently. It will be removed by nursing staff before you are discharged from the hospital.
Diet
There are no specific dietary restrictions following this surgery. Once the anaesthetic has worn off, your child can have their favourite foods and drinks, as tolerated.
Pain Relief
The insertion of grommets is not usually a painful procedure. Panadol or Nurofen can be given as needed.
Expected Recovery
The recovery from grommets is usually very good and patients go home the same day. You can resume normal activities once the anaesthetic has worn off – a minimum of 24 hours is recommended.
You may notice some clear fluid or blood-stained fluid leaking out the ears – especially on the day of surgery or the day after. This should not cause you to worry and can be gently wiped away with a tissue – do not use cotton buds.
Some younger children may hold their ears after surgery. This is usually not due to pain but rather due to an improvement in hearing where noises initially seem louder to them. This should settle as they adjust.
Flying is permitted with grommets.
Keeping the Ears Dry
- Current evidence and guidelines state that children with grommets do NOT need to keep their ears dry when bathing or swimming in pools or the ocean. Dirty water (e.g. lakes) should be avoided.
- A small proportion of children may get discharging ears when exposed to water. These children will require a course of Ciloxan ear drops.
- If discharge from the ears following water exposure becomes a recurring problem then my recommendations are as follows:
- If your child is having a bath or shower and you are not washing their hair, no ear plugs are necessary. If a few splashes of water get into the ears there is no need to be concerned.
- If you are washing your child’s hair, use ear plugs during the bath or shower.
- If your child is going to swim, use one of the following:
- Ear plugs (e.g. soft silicone or putty) can be purchased at most pharmacies, or from my rooms in the CBD.
- A swimming cap or band covering the ears (http://www.littlegrommets.com or https://www.earjobs.com.au).
Follow Up
The first follow up visit is usually about 6 weeks after the surgery. A postop audiogram should be performed before or at this visit.