The Difference Between How Traditional Ear Tubes Are Placed and The Hummingbird

Traditionally, ear tubes had to be placed in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia. This technique is generally safe and reliable, but it does involve the inherent challenges that accompany hospital operating rooms — not to mention costs that can be significant. The Hummingbird procedure provides an option that reduces or eliminates these issues:

How Tubes Are Traditionally Put In Ears

The most common process of tube placement, known as myringotomy with tube insertion, can be a full-day process and is performed in a hospital operating room. For children, tympanostomy tubes are most often put in their ears while they are under general anesthesia.

Preparation for the Surgery

In preparation for ear tube placement surgery, patients typically need to undergo tests depending on a physician’s recommendations. Fasting before the procedure is also required.

How are Tubes Placed in Ears?

Traditional tube placement occurs under general anesthesia for children and frequently local anesthetic for adults. The process generally follows these steps:

• Anesthesia is given
• An incision is made in the eardrum
• Fluid that is trapped is suctioned out or drained
• The tube is inserted into the incision

Post-Procedure Expectations

After tube placement, patients generally require between a half and full day for recovery. Anesthesia can take time to wear off, with grogginess and nausea being the most common side effects.

Once at home, patients often experience mild discomfort, itchiness and drainage for a short period of time. Sometimes antibiotic ear drops are prescribed to counteract infection.

Risks and Complications

Traditional tube placement with surgery is generally very safe, but there are individuals who may react negatively to anesthesia or experience persistent ear draining, tube blockage, bleeding or eardrum scarring.

Aftercare and Recovery

The surgeon will request periodic follow-up visits to check how the eardrums are healing and if the tubes are functioning properly.

How Hummingbird Places Ear Tubes

The Hummingbird procedure is a simplified approach to traditional ear tube surgery — it typically takes minutes to complete. Additionally, the procedure allows a Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) surgeon to perform the ear tube insertion in their office using only a topical anesthetic, meaning the patient doesn’t have to go through the typical preparation for general anesthesia, including fasting. For children, the procedure can be performed while parents or caregivers are present.

Pre- and post-operative care is simplified for those undergoing the Hummingbird procedure. There is no pre-operative testing or fasting, and the patient can resume normal activity immediately after the tubes are placed. Many of the inherent costs of traditional ear tube placement are eliminated with the Hummingbird, reducing the cost of tube placement by up to 68%.

The Hummingbird procedure is simple, following just three steps:

1. Ear Wax Removal — First, ear wax is removed to clear the area and create an unobstructed path for the surgeon.
2. Apply Topical Anesthetic — The topical anesthetic is applied only to the eardrum. The numbing effect takes effect quickly.
3. Tubes are Placed — The Hummingbird device is used to safely and quickly insert the tubes in the eardrum in a single pass.

Want to learn more? Read more about the Hummingbird tube placement process.

Why Choose Hummingbird?

The Hummingbird process is FDA-cleared for children six months and older and offers a less invasive and lower cost approach to tympanostomy tube placement. In addition to avoiding the challenges and costs of general anesthesia, hospital operating and recovery rooms, the Hummingbird method allows patients to immediately return to normal activities

Are you interested in the Hummingbird procedure? Find a location near you to get started.

¹Overall procedure times vary
²The actual ear tube procedure is commonly covered by insurance. In instances where the Hummingbird device is not part of this coverage, some families may be required to pay the device cost. Overall total costs for ear tube placement may be less with the Hummingbird through the elimination of general anesthesia and facility fees associated with traditional surgical approaches. The Hummingbird may qualify for HSA or FSA account coverage.