Middle ear infections (Otitis Media) are most prevalent in children under
the age of 12. Acute infection can cause severe ear ache as well as inflamed
ear drums and fluid buildup. This results in distortion and muffling of
sounds that are strong and clear to the healthy ear. Antibiotics often
prove sufficient to relieve the problem. However, reoccurring infections
can prove to be a significant complication that may require surgery.
A major cause of fluid buildup in the middle ear is an improperly functioning
eustachian tube. The tube is a passage way from the back of the throat
to the middle ear which supplies the air that normally balances the pressure
of the middle ear with the outside pressure. When the eustachian tube
doesn't do its job, colds, sinus infections and sore throats can cause
infection to travel up the tube and reach the middle ear.
After numerous infections, the adenoids, located behind the nose and
roof of the mouth, may no longer produce antibodies that fight infection.
Instead, they may provide a home for germs. Adenoids that no longer fight
diseases may lead to additional ear infections and fluid in the ear.
If a regimen of antibiotics fails to clear up the immediate problem or
infections are repeated numerous times, the doctor may recommend a surgical
procedure called Myrngotomy. In this procedure, the physician replaces
small pressure-equalizing tubes on each side of the eardrum and drains
any fluid buildup. The doctor may also remove troublesome adenoids that
are contributing to the problem.
Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. After a brief postoperative
stay in the recovery room, the patient goes home. The patient may experience
an upset stomach afterwards, but that discomfort disappears quickly and
in a couple of days the patient is usually back to normal. In most cases,
the surgery is without significant complications. There is, however, some
chance for postoperative infection. Infrequently, ear infections reoccur
or fluid builds up again after the small, pressure-equalizing tubes fall
out or are removed. In those cases, the doctor will reinsert a PE tube
to correct the problem.
Indications for insertion of pressure-equalizing tubes are:
