About this topic
An ear infection can cause fluid buildup inside the ear. This fluid raises the pressure inside the ear. It may also cause hearing problems. A myringotomy is a procedure used to drain trapped fluid out of the ear. This is done by making a small hole in the eardrum. This procedure is done to: ‚
- Relieve ear pain
- Restore hearing
- Drain trapped fluids inside the ear
This fluid taken from the ear will be sent to a lab for testing. Your doctor may leave a tiny tube inside your eardrum to keep the hole open. This is called a grommet or tympanoplasty tube. It makes a path for fluid to get out and air to get in the ear. The tube helps prevent any buildup of fluid in the ear. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor will give you ear drops or pills for pain and infection. Take all the drugs ordered by your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about when it is safe for you to travel by plane or go scuba diving or swimming.
- Put 2 to 3 pillows under your head and shoulders when you lie down to rest or go to sleep.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your ear tubes. Ask your doctor about:
- Any drainage you may see coming from your ears. It may be yellow, green, or bloody for a few days. Find out if it is okay to put clean cotton in your ear to capture the drainage.
- When you may take a bath or shower. Ask if you need to take extra care to avoid getting water in your ears.
- How to clean your ears
- If you need to be careful with blowing your nose
- What to do if a tube falls out
- Avoid going to crowded places where people with cough and colds may be.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may want to rest for the first few days after the procedure. Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting and hard exercise. Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Ask when it is OK for you to return to work or school. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Thickening of the structures inside the ear
- Hearing loss
- The tube might fall out
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Ringing in the ear
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up
- Stiff neck
- Problems swallowing
- Ear tube falls out
- Drainage from your ear after the first few days
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how to care for my ears.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have ear pain, drainage from my ear, or problems swallowing.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology ¢ ˆ ’ Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Ear-Tubes.cfm ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/ears/ear_infections.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/otitis-media/pages/treatment.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚