$Unique_ID{BRK01660}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Surgery for Fluid in the Middle Ear}
$Subject{ears middle fluid treatment}
$Volume{F-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Surgery for Fluid in the Middle Ear


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QUESTION:  My son is almost 8 and has been having mild hearing loss.  After
testing the doctor says there is fluid in the middle ear, and he will need
surgery to have surgery to have tubes put in.  Why do they put the tubes in
and not just drain the fluid?  Will this procedure cure hearing loss and
prevent further loss?  I would appreciate your answer.

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ANSWER:  When middle ear problems strike, a frequent result is the development
of liquid in the space normally filled with air.  Whether this liquid (called
an "effusion") is the result of an infection of an inflammation, its presence
affects the workings of the three tiny bones of the middle ear, which transmit
sound across the middle ear from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear, and
can reduce the ability to hear.  This effusion may last from weeks to months
after an episode of acute infection, and though antibiotics may effectively
kill all the germs, these medications can not clear the fluid from the ear.
That is a job for a "myringotomy", a procedure which consists of making a
small hole in the tympanic membrane (which separates the middle ear from the
external ear) into which a small tube is placed.  The liquid passes out
through the tubes, which remain in place until no more fluid is present, and
no more is being produced.  While the liquid is draining, the fluid can be
seen running out of the ear.  Myringotomy is considered a simple and safe
procedure, and in fact is the most common surgical procedure requiring general
anesthesia performed in children.  After all the fluid has been removed, and
after a period of recovery, hearing usually returns to previous normal levels.
The small hole in the membrane all most always heals without any complication
although occasionally there may be some scarring.  It is important that this
condition receive prompt and complete care, for hearing loss may affect a
child's language development and ability to learn.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
