What is a PE ear tube?
Ear tubes are known by several names: tympanostomy tubes, ventilating tubes, pressure equalizing tubes or most frequently, PE tubes. They are tiny hollow tubes made of a soft material. PE tubes decrease the frequency of ear infections be allowing air in and helping fluid to drain into the throat.
When should PE tubes be placed?
The average age for ear tube insertion is 1 to 3 years, but babies can get ear tubes as young as 6 months. Ear tubes are generally extruded (forced out naturally as the child’s ear grows) from the ear drum anywhere from six to 18 months after insertion.
Where are PE tubes inserted?
PE tubes are inserted under general anesthesia as an outpatient surgery. A microscope is used to see into the ear and a small incision is made in the eardrum. Any fluid or infection present in the middle ear is suctioned and the tube is placed into the incision where it remains without the use of stitches.
Is there an alternative to ear tubes?
Sept. 27, 1999 (Minneapolis) – A new laser procedure that can be performed right in the doctor’s office without anesthesia could reduce the need to place tubes in the ears of people with chronic middle ear infections.
How long do PE tubes stay in?
Usually, an ear tube stays in the eardrum for four to 18 months and then falls out on its own. Sometimes, a tube doesn’t fall out and needs to be surgically removed. In some cases, the ear tube falls out too soon, and another needs to be put in the eardrum.
Does ear drainage with tubes mean infection?
Do not worry: the drainage indicates that the tube is working to drain the infection from the middle ear space. Most children do not have pain or fever with an infection when the tube is in place and working. Ear drainage can be clear, cloudy or even bloody. There is no danger to hearing.
Do they put tubes in ears for adults?
Ear tube surgery (myringotomy) is usually performed while the patient is under general anesthesia (put to sleep). It can also be done in adults with a local anesthetic (the patient remains awake). During the surgery: The surgeon makes a small incision (cut) in the eardrum.
How much does it cost to put tubes in ears?
About 700,000 children each year have ear tubes surgically placed, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Ear tubes typically cost around $2,000-5,000 for people with insurance.
Is it painful when ear tubes fall out?
Should my child’s ear hurt when the tube falls out? No, unless they are getting infections again.
Do ear infections hurt with tubes?
If your child gets an ear infection with visible drainage or discharge from the ear canal: Do not worry: the drainage indicates that the tube is working to drain the infection from the middle ear space. Most children do not have pain or fever with an infection when the tube is in place and working.