At Melbourne ENT, our experienced surgeons Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham offer expert care for ear tube (grommet) surgery, a common procedure to treat chronic ear infections and hearing issues, particularly in children.
What Are Ear Tubes?
Ear tubes are tiny, hollow cylinders placed in the eardrum to equalise pressure and drain fluid from the middle ear. This procedure, known as a myringotomy, is minimally invasive and helps reduce infections and improve hearing. Tubes may be short-term (6 to 18 months) or long-term, requiring ENT follow-up.
Who Needs Ear Tubes?
Children and adults with frequent ear infections, persistent middle ear fluid, or hearing loss may benefit. For children, untreated fluid can delay speech and learning. Adults with chronic sinus issues or barotrauma may also be candidates.
Benefits of Ear Tubes
- Fewer infections and less need for antibiotics
- Improved hearing and speech development
- Fewer school or work absences
- Less ear pressure during air travel
The Procedure
Performed as a day surgery, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes. General anaesthesia is used for children; local anaesthesia may be suitable for adults. A small incision is made in the eardrum, fluid is suctioned out, and the tube is inserted.
Recovery
Recovery is quick, with most returning to normal activities within 24 hours. Some drainage or mild discomfort may occur. Swimming precautions depend on individual ear health. Regular follow-up ensures the tubes function properly and fall out naturally.
Risks and Complications
Risks are low but may include:
- Persistent drainage
- Early or late tube extrusion
- Eardrum scarring or perforation (rare)
- Recurrent infections
Costs and Medicare
Ear tube surgery is usually eligible for Medicare rebates and private health insurance coverage. Costs vary by facility and insurance. Our team provides clear estimates and helps with insurance claims.
FAQs About Ear Tube
Will I or my child be able to hear the tube inside the ear once it’s placed?
No, the tube is extremely small and placed in the eardrum itself, so it doesn’t create any sensation or sound. Most patients don’t notice its presence at all once the ear heals after surgery.
Can ear tubes affect the way things sound, like causing echoing or distortion?
Immediately after surgery, some patients notice that sounds seem louder or clearer due to fluid drainage. This typically settles quickly. Any prolonged echoing sensation should be checked during follow-up, as it may indicate fluid or wax buildup.
Is there anything I should avoid doing before the ear tube procedure?
Before surgery, patients should avoid upper respiratory infections where possible, as congestion can affect the middle ear. Surgeons may also advise pausing any medications that increase bleeding risk. Detailed preparation instructions will be given at consultation.
Do ear tubes change how pressure feels when flying on an airplane?
Yes, in a helpful way. One of the benefits of ear tubes is that they equalise pressure automatically, so people with them typically experience far less discomfort during altitude changes in flight.
Will the tubes fall out into the ear canal or somewhere else?
Yes, when they fall out naturally, they usually drop into the ear canal where they are either expelled naturally or found and removed during a routine ENT visit. Rarely, the tube can remain embedded and may need removal.
What happens if water accidentally gets into the ear after surgery?
In most cases, a small amount of clean water exposure won’t cause harm. However, repeated or dirty water exposure can increase the risk of infection. ENT surgeons will advise based on individual ear health whether ear protection is necessary.
Can children still receive their routine childhood vaccinations close to the surgery date?
Yes, standard vaccinations can continue as planned. In some cases, your ENT or paediatrician may schedule them a few days before or after surgery to ensure your child’s immune system is optimally supported during recovery.
Sources:
- What MAHA misses about kids’ tonsillectomies and ear tubes | STAT
https://www.statnews.com/2025/06/02/maha-childrens-health-tonsillectomy-tympanostomy-ear-tubes/ - Reduction of Antibiotic-Associated Conditions After Tympanostomy Tube Placement in Children | Laryngoscope
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39172004/ - Economic impact of in-office pediatric tympanostomy tube placement | Taylor & Francis Online
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13696998.2025.2514925?src= - Preventing unnecessary tympanostomy tube placement in children | ScienceDirect
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165587625000370 - Clinical Practice Guideline: Tympanostomy Tubes in Children | American Academy of Otolaryngology
https://www.entnet.org/quality-practice/quality-products/clinical-practice-guidelines/tympanostomy-tubes-in-children/ - Tympanostomy Tube Insertion – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565858/ - What to know before, during and after tympanostomy tube placement | American Academy of Pediatrics
https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/32237/What-to-know-before-during-and-after-tympanostomy
Book a Consultation
If you or your child is experiencing frequent ear infections or hearing problems, early consultation can make a big difference. Contact Melbourne ENT to book an appointment with Dr Stephen Kleid at (03) 9038 1630 or visit the website, or with Dr Simon Braham at (03) 9038 1311 or visit the website. Our expert team is here to help you achieve better ear health and peace of mind.
Further Reading
- Read more about Ear Concerns
- Read more about Otoplasty Melbourne – Ear Surgery
- Read more about Grommets Surgery Melbourne
- View Before and After Photos
Why Choose Dr Kleid ?
Dr Stephen Kleid,
Melbourne ENT Surgeon
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Dr Stephen Kleid is an experienced ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne with a passion for Septo-rhinoplasty, Septoplasty and a strong interest in Rhinoplasty Revision.
Qualifications
- AHPRA (Medical Board)
- MB, BS; FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons)
- AAFPS – Member of the Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
- AAFPRS – (International Member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons)
Dr Kleid’s Procedures
Why Choose Dr Braham ?
Dr Simon Braham,
Melbourne ENT Surgeon
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Dr Simon Braham MBBS (Hons) FRACS is an experienced Ear, Nose and Throat ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne, performing tonsil, grommet and sinus surgery for children & adults. He helps patients with breathing issues, snoring concerns and sleep disturbances.
Dr Braham’s Procedures
How can we help?
The Melbourne ENT Team takes pleasure in assisting you with any questions when considering a plastic surgery procedure. Please call the St Kilda East clinic in Melbourne between 9am – 5 pm on Weekdays.
What Next?
Want more information about your Procedure?
- Please read our website and blogs to find out more about your procedure and concerns
- For more information about pricing and payment methods, please visit our page on Surgery Payment Options.
- Talk to our Patient Care Team from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- We encourage you to bring a friend or family member to accompany you, as they can provide an extra perspective and support throughout the process.
- It is important to take thorough notes and carefully review all the documents provided to you.
How to Book a Consultation
- A referral from your GP or Specialist is necessary to see a surgeon for a consultation.
- Dr Kleid’s Nose Surgery consultation fee is $600 which includes a nasendoscopy ($300).
- Please contact us to book your consultation.