A grommet is a small tube inserted into the eardrum to prevent middle ear fluid from re-accumulating
In selected adults with wide ear canals, it can be performed under local anaesthetic.
Grommet insertion is a short procedure performed under general anaesthetic as a day case.
It is carried out through the ear canal using a microscope. The middle ear fluid (sometimes referred to as “glue ear”) is removed with suction through a small incision made in the eardrum. Small tubes called grommets are inserted in the ear drum.
To prevent the grommets from blocking, antibiotic ear drops are usually prescribed for five days.
You should avoid getting water in your ears for four weeks after surgery. Most people can get their ears wet after this, but occasionally ear plugs or a swimming cap are required whilst swimming to prevent ear infections.
A hearing test is performed several weeks after grommet insertion to ensure the hearing has returned to normal. The grommets will work their way out of the ear after twelve to eighteen months. Rarely, this can leave an ear drum perforation.
