Is Your Ear Bugging You?
Ear infections are pretty standard, especially during childhood. However, chronic ear infections can happen well into adulthood. Most ear infections clear up with prescribed antibiotics. However, reoccurring ear infections can cause hearing problems and other complications. Many opt for surgery, known as a myringotomy, to reduce the pain and inconvenience of recurring infections.
All about ear infections
Ear infections start from the middle ear, known as otitis media. Chronic otitis media with effusion happens when fluid and pus stays in the ear or constantly return. Signs of ear infections include earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, impaired hearing, and leaking fluid. The infection usually stems from the flu bug and moves to the ears through the eustachian tubes. These tubes connect to the sinus and throat and control the air pressure in the ear. An infection can irritate the inner ear tubes and cause swelling when fluid builds up against the eardrum.
Time for myringotomy surgery
An ear, nose, and throat doctor may sometimes suggest a myringotomy procedure. The middle ear surgical procedure alleviates earache and bacterial infections of the ear. Under anesthesia, a tiny microscope inserted in the ear provides the doctor with a better view. The doctor then punctures the eardrum to allow fluid drainage through suction. Typically blood, pus, or water, runs out of the ear. A tympanostomy drainage tube goes into the hole in the eardrum, ending the procedure.
Recovering from surgery
The fluid should continue to run out of the ear in the days after surgery. However, stitches are required to help the incision close and heal properly. Drainage lasts 2-3 days, and the tube falls out between 6-18 months, although some drainage tubes need surgical removal. The eardrum typically heals during this time, and minor scarring may occur. Myringotomy surgery is often the preferred choice for successful results and should be considered for these 3 reasons.
1. Myringotomy surgery can help with hearing
Myringotomy Surgery can restore hearing loss caused by chronic fluid build-up due to ear infection. Placing tympanostomy tubes help regulate pressure and ventilate the middle ear. If chronic conditions reduce the quality of hearing, doctors will commonly suggest surgery.
2. It’s excellent when non-surgical treatment fails
Ear infections respond well to non-surgical treatment. An ENT will often prescribe pain medication and antibiotics. Together, these medications treat inflammation and viruses causing ear pain. If these fail to bring relief, or the infection constantly returns, surgery can help.
3. Surgery may help prevent future infections
An ENT can go the extra step to prevent recurring ear infections and the collection of fluid behind the eardrum. After surgery, the doctor may take sample fluid from the middle ear to examine in a lab, and the lab can pinpoint the exact bacteria present in the ear. From there, antibiotic treatment after surgery may prevent chronic infections.
Review ear pain with myringotomy
Ear infections typically come and go, but having a lingering ear infection is cause for concern. While surgery is the last resort, the risk of having a hearing impairment isn’t something to leave to chance. Luckily, the surgery has a high success rate. Contact an ENT if ear infections continually impact the quality of hearing and life.
Recent Posts
Nasal & Sinus Surgery: What Are The Benefits Of FESS For Chronic Sinusitis?
Long-lasting relief for chronic sinusitis is possible with FESS, a minimally invasive procedure that removes blockages through the nasal cavity.
Getting Active Again: 4 Simple Stretches To Improve ROM After A Total Knee Replacement
After a total knee replacement, improving range of motion is essential. Simple stretches can reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Knee Surgery: 4 Questions To Ask Your Doc Before ACL Reconstruction
Some people with an ACL tear require knee reconstruction surgery. Knowing what to ask the orthopedic surgeon can help speed recovery.
FESS & Chronic Sinusitis: Who Are Ideal Candidates For Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
FESS treats serious sinus conditions. Candidates include chronic sinus infection or inflammation, nasal obstruction, nasal polyp or tumor, and deviated septum.
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
Recent Posts
Nasal & Sinus Surgery: What Are The Benefits Of FESS For Chronic Sinusitis?
Long-lasting relief for chronic sinusitis is possible with FESS, a minimally invasive procedure that removes blockages through the nasal cavity.
Getting Active Again: 4 Simple Stretches To Improve ROM After A Total Knee Replacement
After a total knee replacement, improving range of motion is essential. Simple stretches can reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Knee Surgery: 4 Questions To Ask Your Doc Before ACL Reconstruction
Some people with an ACL tear require knee reconstruction surgery. Knowing what to ask the orthopedic surgeon can help speed recovery.
FESS & Chronic Sinusitis: Who Are Ideal Candidates For Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
FESS treats serious sinus conditions. Candidates include chronic sinus infection or inflammation, nasal obstruction, nasal polyp or tumor, and deviated septum.
