A Parent’s Guide to Ear Tube Surgery for Children

As a parent, hearing that your child may need ear tube surgery can bring many questions and concerns. You likely want to know exactly what to expect and how to help your child through the process — exactly the sort of information you’ll find in this article.

Why Do Kids Get So Many Ear Infections?

Children’s ears are more susceptible to infections due to their anatomy. Their Eustachian tubes — which help drain fluid from the middle ear — are smaller and more horizontal than those found in adults. When children catch colds or experience allergies, these tubes easily become blocked, which leads to fluid buildup behind the eardrum. The stagnant fluid becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, causing painful ear infections.

If a child shows signs of chronic ear infections, interventional treatments — like ear tubes — are usually the fastest route to relief.

Signs It’s Time to Consider Ear Tubes for Your Child

Ear infections are normal for all children to experience — until they become chronic. Signs that it may be time to consider surgical intervention for your child include:

• Multiple infections within a short period, such as three or more in six months
• Fluid that lingers in the ear even after an infection clears
• Symptoms like difficulty hearing, delayed speech development or problems with balance

If these signs are present, an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) may recommend ear tubes to help prevent further infections and improve your child’s hearing.

The Ear Tube Procedure: What to Expect as a Parent

Before Surgery

The first step is scheduling a consultation with an ENT to assess your child’s condition. Preparing your child for surgery may seem daunting, but it’s made easier by explaining what will happen in a calm, reassuring way and giving them the chance to ask the doctor questions. Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, your child may need anesthesia — either general or local — to keep them comfortable during the procedure.

If the procedure is being done in an operating room, a preoperative visit is required to review anesthesia and surgical details. During this visit, the doctor will go over what to expect on the day of surgery, answer any questions, and ensure your child is ready for the OR setting.

Traditional ear tube surgery in an operating room is the most widely-used option, but it’s not the only one. For many parents and ENTs, the Hummingbird procedure is preferable due to the quickness, lack of general anesthesia and the ability for parents to be present throughout the procedure.

During Surgery

The traditional ear tube procedure in an operating room itself is quite short. If general anesthesia is used, it’s applied through a mask in the procedure room.

With Hummingbird, your child is awake and no general anesthesia is used. In many cases, parents can be present during the procedure to provide emotional support. Distractions like a favorite toy or soothing music can help them stay calm during the procedure.

How Long Does Ear Tube Surgery Take?

Traditional ear tube surgeries take about 10 to 15 minutes, but the time in the hospital is much longer because of preoperative preparation and post-operative recovery from anesthesia. With alternative methods like the Hummingbird Tympanostomy Tube System, the entire process can be completed within minutes. This alternative helps the experience become much easier to manage for both parents and children.

Interested in learning more about the Hummingbird procedure? Check out answers to commonly asked questions about the procedure or find a provider near you.

Immediately After Surgery

If your child undergoes the traditional OR-based ear tube procedure, they will be monitored in the post-anesthesia care unit for 30–60 minutes or longer, depending on recovery. Parents will need to keep an eye on them for the remainder of the day, following the doctor’s guidance.

With the Hummingbird office-based procedure, recovery happens within minutes right in the office, and your child can resume regular activities almost immediately.

What Changes After Surgery?

After ear tube surgery, most children experience immediate relief from the symptoms of chronic ear infections. Improved hearing often follows shortly after, leading to better speech development and fewer frustrations both at home and in school. Follow-up appointments with the ENT will monitor how the tubes are functioning and how your child is adapting to them.

While side effects are rare, it’s important to keep a close eye on your child for the immediate days after ear tube surgery. Watch for side effects like persistent ear drainage, bleeding, fever or discomfort — these may indicate infection or complications and should be reported to your child’s doctor.

Is Ear Tube Surgery Right for Your Child?

Parents often worry about the risks and benefits of ear tube surgery — which is totally reasonable! Here are some key advantages to consider:

• Drastically decreased risk of infection. With ear tubes in place, the risk of future infections drops significantly.
• Better Hearing and Development. Improved hearing means your child can focus on learning, especially in developmentally critical areas like speech and language.
• Less Use of Antibiotics. Fewer ear infections mean less need for antibiotics, helping your family avoid overuse and any potential side effects.

Are Hummingbird Ear Tubes Right for Our Family?

For parents seeking a fast and minimally invasive solution, the Hummingbird Ear Tube Procedure is an appealing option. It’s FDA-cleared, involves no general anesthesia and takes only a few minutes. These features make it a safe and convenient choice for many families.

Finding Relief for Your Child

Making decisions about your child’s health can feel overwhelming, but ear tube surgery offers the promise of relief — for you and your child. Procedures like the Hummingbird further simplify the process, offering a faster, easier path to recovery.

The best first step is to talk to your child’s ENT specialist to explore your options and make an informed choice for your family. With the right support, you can confidently navigate this process and help your child move toward a healthier, happier life!