Grommets are usually inserted to treat 'glue ear' (fluid in the middle ear) or prevent recurrent otitis media (middle ear infection). A grommet is a small ventilation tube inserted into the eardrum to allow air into the middle ear and prevent a build-up of fluid.

Why do you need ear grommets?

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.

How do you know if you need grommets?

When might my child need grommets? Your child's doctor may recommend grommets for glue ear that won't clear up or for frequent ear infections. They are more likely to recommend grommets if your child has had: glue ear for more than 3 months, depending on the degree of hearing loss.

How long do grommets stay in the ear?

A grommet is a small tube that's placed in your child's ear during surgery. It drains fluid away and keeps the eardrum open. The grommet should fall out naturally within 6 to 12 months as your child's ear gets better.

Why do adults need grommets?

A grommet is a small, plastic tube that sits in the eardrum. It allows air to pass in and out of the ear. This helps to stop the production of fluid that causes glue ear.

Ear Infections & Ear Tubes

What does glue ear feel like in adults?

Overall, adults with glue ear may have similar symptoms as children. However, you might also feel pressure deep in your ear and tiredness from overall discomfort. Glue ear can sometimes cause pain, too. Glue ear that persists longer than a few months can cause permanent hearing damage.

Can you get permanent grommets?

Grommets are not permanent and are extruded by the ear after 6-12 months. When this happens, symptoms may recur requiring further grommet insertion. Long stay grommets, which retain the grommet in the ear for longer, are sometimes used in recurrent cases.

Where do grommets go when they fall out?

Grommets are designed to stay in the tympanic membrane for 6 – 9 months and they fall out of their own accord. Patients don't normally notice the grommets falling out and the hole then closes over of its own accord. To further discuss grommet insertion make an appointment with our surgeons.

Can glue ear come back after grommets?

The glue ear may come back after the grommets fall out. Grommets usually fall out by themselves. This may take a few months, a year or longer, and you may not notice when it happens. Glue ear returning happens in 1 out of every 3 children.

Does it hurt to get grommets?

Grommets are not usually sore at all. You can give your child simple painkillers (e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen) if you need to. Grommets should improve your child's hearing straight away. Some children think everything sounds too loud until they get used to having normal hearing again.

What is the youngest age for grommets?

It is an extremely common condition, which usually tends to affect children under seven years of age, most commonly between the ages of two and five. However, some children have 'recurrent' glue ear which means it returns after treatment over a period of some months or years.

What age can you get grommets?

Ear grommet placement is most commonly needed from the age of one to three years.

What are the side effects of grommets?

• Ear infections / discharge. This is the most common complication from grommet insertion. ...
• Scarring. Tympanosclerosis, scarring of the eardrum, may occur but is usually of no consequence. ...
• Residual perforation. In most cases, as the grommet comes out, the hole behind closes.

What causes glue ear in adults?

Approximately 1/3 of glue ear sufferers are adults. The condition occurs when the Eustachian tube fills with fluid rather than air, usually due to a common cold. After a while the fluid can become thick and glue like affecting your hearing.

Can you swim with grommets in ears?

Swimming. In the first 2 weeks after the placement of the grommet, the eardrum is still healing. During this time, it is best to avoid swimming. Pool water is less likely to enter the middle ear via a grommet due to the surface tension of this water, even with submersion and shallow diving.

What causes glue ear baby?

Glue ear is caused by fluid that collects behind the eardrum, in the middle ear. It usually clears on its own with no treatment, but sometimes requires surgery to insert grommets for drainage. Hearing and speech development can be affected if glue ear is persistent.

What happens if you get grommets wet?

If you do get water in the ear canal, it may enter the middle ear through the Grommet(s), and may result in an infected/discharging ear. You must start the use of water-proof ear plugs (silicon plugs, blu-tac®) at the time of your routine shower or bath.

What do grommets feel like?

Grommets are inserted during a minor surgical procedure known as 'myringotomy'. The procedure is done under general anaesthetic, so if your child that needs grommets, they won't feel anything. You should be able to take them home the same day.

Can you wear headphones with grommets?

Yes. A clinician may use IE with children with grommets in situ, this is safe. IE should not be used when foreign bodies are evident in the ear canal (e.g. insects, cotton buds, beads).

How many times can you get grommets?

The initial appointment is approximately six weeks after insertion and at six-monthly intervals until the grommets fall out. If the Eustachian tubes have not matured, the problem may recur and sometimes further surgery will be required.

Can grommets affect speech?

This can affect hearing because the middle ear can't move freely, but the level of hearing loss is mild. Some children have recurrent glue ear, meaning it returns after treatment over a long period. Because of the hearing problems that come with glue ear, this can cause speech and language development problems.

Can grommets cause tinnitus?

There is a very small risk of developing tinnitus after grommet surgery.

Do grommets improve hearing?

Main results: Children treated with grommets spent 32% less time (95% confidence interval (CI) 17% to 48%) with effusion during the first year of follow-up. Treatment with grommets improved hearing levels, especially during the first six months.

What to expect after having grommets fitted?

It usually only takes a few days for them to get used to it. You might notice fluid or a small amount of blood coming from their ear for a day or two after the surgery (this tends to happen if their ear is especially swollen). You can clean around the outside of the ear but don't poke anything into the ear canal.

Is glue ear a disability?

If your child's glue ear is likely to, or has, lasted for at least 12 months, without clearing up, then your child may be regarded as having a disability under the Equality Act.