Patients may undergo a myringotomy after a doctor diagnoses that they have excess fluid in the middle ear that is not draining naturally. During this surgical procedure, a small incision is made in the eardrum and a tube is then inserted into the incision. This tube allows the built-up fluid to drain from the ear and allows air to once again flow freely through the ear, restoring any hearing loss that the patient may have experienced due to excess fluid.MedlinePlus: Ear tube insertion University of Virginia Health System: Myringotomy Tubes
Reasons for Myringotomy
- Chronic ear infections
- Extended hearing loss due to ear infection
- Fluid in the ear for several months following an ear infection
- Changes in the structure of the ear canal or ear drum due to ear infection
- Impaired hearing or speaking due to ear problemsUniversity of Virginia Health System: Myringotomy Tubes
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you may require a myringotomy, please consult your doctor.
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References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Patients who undergo a myringotomy are usually placed under general anesthesiaHealthLibrary: Myringotomy
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Over 50,000 myringotomies are performed on children each year in the U.S.American Academy of Otolaryngology: Ear Tubes
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Fact:
Myringotomies are most often performed on children between the ages of one and three, when their ear canals are still relatively narrowUniversity of Virginia Health System: Myringotomy Tubes
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Fact:
The incision in the ear drum may be made with a small scalpel or a laserAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology: Ear Tubes
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Fact:
The tubes inserted during a myringotomy usually fall out on their own within about 14 months and the incision heals itselfMedlinePlus: Ear tube insertion
