Ear Tube Surgery (Grommets) Recovery
Ear tube insertion (myringotomy with grommets or tympanostomy tubes) is the most common childhood surgery worldwide, also performed in adults. Small tubes are placed through the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear and prevent fluid build-up. The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes under general anaesthetic. Most children are back to normal within 24 hours.
Same day: The procedure is day surgery. Children may be groggy, irritable, or emotional after the anaesthetic, this resolves within a few hours. Hearing improvement can be noticed immediately (some children find normal sounds surprisingly loud at first).
Pain: Usually mild: paracetamol (Calpol/Panadol for children) is typically sufficient. Most children don't need pain relief beyond the first day.
Ear discharge: A small amount of fluid or blood-tinged discharge is normal for the first few days. This is the trapped fluid draining through the new tube. Eardrops may be prescribed: use as directed.
Activity: Most children return to school/childcare the next day. No restrictions on normal play. Flying is safe with grommets in place.
As per NICE guidelines (last checked Jul 2026): grommets are recommended for children with persistent otitis media with effusion (glue ear) lasting 3 months or more with hearing loss.
This is the most debated aspect of grommet care. Guidelines have evolved: current evidence suggests water precautions may be less critical than previously thought for surface-level water activities.
Bathing and hair washing: Generally safe with normal care. Avoid getting soapy water directly in the ears. Cotton wool with petroleum jelly can be used as an ear plug if you prefer.
Swimming: Surface swimming (head above water) is generally permitted by most ENT surgeons. Diving and underwater swimming are usually not recommended while tubes are in place. Some surgeons recommend ear plugs for all swimming — follow your specific surgeon's advice.
If water gets in: A brief exposure is rarely a problem. If you notice increased discharge after water exposure, contact your doctor — eardrops may be needed.
As per AAO-HNS guidelines (last checked Jul 2026): routine water precautions are not required for children with grommets who do not have active drainage. Discuss with your ENT surgeon.
Standard grommets typically fall out on their own after 6–18 months as the eardrum heals and pushes them out. You may find the tiny tube in the ear canal, on the pillow, or not notice at all.
When they fall out: The eardrum usually heals completely within a few weeks. Hearing should remain normal. If fluid re-accumulates after the tubes fall out, a second set may be considered.
Long-stay (T-tube) grommets: These are designed to stay longer (2–4 years) and may need to be surgically removed if they don't fall out.
Residual perforation: In a small percentage of cases (about 2–5%), the eardrum doesn't fully heal after the tube falls out, leaving a small hole. This may need a minor repair (myringoplasty) later.
As per NHS guidelines (last checked Jul 2026): most grommets fall out within 6–18 months. Regular hearing and ear checks are recommended.
- Persistent thick, smelly, or coloured discharge (green/yellow). May indicate infection
- Increasing ear pain after the first day
- Fever above 38°C / 100.4°F with ear pain
- Hearing not improved after the first few days
- Bleeding from the ear beyond light discharge on day one
Your recovery toolkit
Free interactive tools to track your recovery day by day. Everything stays on your device — nothing is uploaded or shared.
These tools support — never replace — the advice of your surgical team. If something feels wrong, contact your doctor or emergency services.