What To Expect From Ear Tube Surgery

First published September 2014
Updated February 2026

If your child is in need of ear tubes, you probably know why: lots of ear infections. And if your family is facing a decision about ear tube surgery, you’re not alone. Ear infections are one of the most common reasons that young children visit their pediatricians.

In many cases, ear infections clear up on their own without antibiotics or surgery. But repeat infections, known as recurrent otitis media, can be problematic and be persistent causing pain or hearing problems due to the inflammation and fluid buildup behind the eardrum.

Placing tubes in the ears has many benefits. An ear tube drains the fluid and equalizes the pressure in the middle ear. Ear tubes provide access to the infected area of the ear, allowing the use of eardrops to treat the ear infection. Ear drops are a safe alternative to the use of oral antibiotics, which can have side effects. If a child experiences hearing loss because of fluid or repeat otitis media, ear tubes can often restore hearing.

There are two options for ear tube insertion depending on your child’s age, the recommendation of your ENT Specialist, and your preferences. For children 16 months old and younger, options include surgery in the ENT clinic without need for anesthesia or in the Ambulatory Surgery Center with a general anesthetic. Your child will not need to stay overnight at the hospital after either of these options. Children over the age of 16 months will have ear tubes inserted in the Ambulatory Surgery Center.

• In-Office Ear Tube Insertion (Children 16 months and below): If your ENT provider recommends in-office ear tube insertion, your child will be given acetaminophen by mouth and numbing medicine in their ear canal. The ENT surgeon will make a small incision in the ear drum, remove fluid and insert an ear tube. Antibiotic ear drops will be used. Your child may return to normal activities the same day.
• Ear tube insertion in the Ambulatory Surgery Center (Children 16 months and older): Your child will be put to sleep by a pediatric anesthesia provider prior to surgery. The ENT surgeon will make a small incision in the ear drum, remove fluid and insert an ear tube. Antibiotic ear drops will be used. Your child may return to normal activities the day after surgery.

Follow-up visits to your ENT provider every six months are important to make sure the tubes are functional and your child’s hearing has improved. The tubes normally stay in for 12-36 months and often fall out on their own. The child may swim and participate in water sports with ear tubes. Ear plugs are recommended if swimming in lakes or oceans is planned.