Grommets

Grommets are very small tube-like devices usually made from Teflon, that are surgically inserted into the eardrum allowing for the drainage of fluid or pus from the middle ear.

Why Do Some People Need Grommets?

Normally occurring in small children, though occasionally adults, recurrent middle ear infections, otherwise known as ‘glue ear’ can cause partial hearing loss and repeated discomfort for the sufferer. When suffering from an infection, infectious materials can build-up behind the eardrum causing pain, temperature, feelings of pressure and hearing loss.

For some children, these infections return over and over again causing prolonged discomfort, lots of time off school and can inhibit their daily living. If infections continue to recur, your GP may refer you to a specialist to discuss the option of having grommets inserted. These tubes are placed, under general anaesthetic, into the eardrum. Any infectious materials can then drain away from the ear and leave the ear drum patent, preventing further infections from developing.

Results are normally immediate, though many children are surprised at how loud everything is as they are used to hearing muffled sounds and this may take a short period of adjustment to get used to.

Complications Of Having Grommets.

Any risk factors surrounding the use of grommets are extremely low, though they should all be thoroughly discussed with your surgeon before consent to the operation is given. Occasionally the grommets will fall out before they have had a chance to take full effect, in which case a new set may need re-inserting requiring further surgery.

As with all surgeries, there are anaesthetic risks and any other medical issues or allergies must be disclosed before the surgery takes place. Sometimes, though very rarely, the infection persists indicating that there may be another reason as to why your child continues to get infections. After surgery, there is a small chance of scarring or damage to the eardrum, though this is usually harmless.

Caring For Your Grommets.

Although they cannot be seen, there are a few guidelines to remember about looking after your grommets in order to ensure the surgery will be a success. Swimming is normally fine to do so long as submersion under the water is avoided. Diving is not recommended and other children should be made aware of the situation to avoid ‘ducking’ the child under when playing. It may be advisable to speak to your surgeon regarding the use of earplugs if swimming is to be considered. Try and avoid water entering the ears when showering, bathing or washing, and ensure that the external ear is dried thoroughly after these activities.

Flying is usually not a problem, and in fact suffering from ‘popping’ ears is unlikely as the air pressures can remain equal more easily than without the grommets.

Grommets will normally fall out by themselves, anything from 6 months to 2 years after surgery. They are very small and may not even be noticed when they are ejected. Hopefully, by this time any infections will have disappeared and subsequent infections are unlikely.

Overall, grommets are a safe and successful method of treating recurrent ear infections and once the surgery has been completed, cause no long-term effects or discomfort for the sufferer.