Grommets are tiny tubes inserted into the eardrum. They allow air to pass through the eardrum, keeping the air pressure on either side equal. The surgeon makes a tiny hole in the eardrum and inserts the grommet into the hole. It usually stays in place for six to 12 months and then falls out.
Grommets are inserted into the eardrums to allow air to pass in and out of the middle ear and through the eardrum. This keeps the air pressure on either side equal and prevents fluid from forming behind the eardrum, known as glue ear.
Glue ear usually lasts for a few months and then gets better on its own without treatment. It can however cause repeated ear infections and poor hearing and if left untreated for a long period of time, glue ear can sometimes cause hearing loss. Adults may have a grommet inserted if they have glue ear or recurrent ear infections.
In children, glue ear can also result in delayed speech and language development, slow school progress or behavioural problems. If a child is experiencing recurrent glue ear and ear infections, that may be causing these difficulties, then grommets will be recommended.
Grommets are used to treat conditions that affect an adult’s or child’s middle ear including recurrent middle ear infections and glue ear. Glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion, is a persistent build-up of fluid in the middle ear that can cause hearing problems. We don’t know exactly what causes glue ear. It is common in children but can also occur in adults.
By inserting a grommet, you have a small ventilation tube in your eardrum that allows air into your middle ear and this prevents a build-up of fluid.
Most adults and children are able to go home the same day as their operation and return to their normal activities within a day or two. Afterwards, the patient may have earache that can be relieved using paracetamol or ibuprofen. Often there is no pain.
You or your child should avoid getting dirt or soapy water into the ear. Swimming can be started a couple of weeks after the operation, as long as the patient does not dive under the water.
After a grommet is inserted, the fluid in your eardrum will usually clear up. As your eardrum heals, the grommet is naturally pushed out and eventually drops out by itself after six to 12 months. You may not notice when it drops out. Sometimes this doesn’t happen and the grommet may need to be removed by a small operation.