After ear tube placement: what follow-up does my child need?

In France, call 15 or 112 immediately if any of these signs appears suddenly, even if it disappears: weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, a numb or drooping face, inability to smile, difficulty speaking or understanding, difficulty controlling a limb, loss of balance or inability to stand, a severe unusual headache, loss of vision in one eye or double vision. Vertigo with inability to stand, an unusual headache, double vision or loss of vision, abnormal eye movements, altered consciousness or unusual behaviour, difficulty speaking, moving or controlling a limb, recent head injury or significant cardiovascular risk also requires immediate assessment.

Sudden hearing loss requires urgent ENT assessment, or a hospital emergency department if that assessment is unavailable. If the person cannot travel, call 15 or 112 immediately in France. Do not wait for the tube check; also tell the team about discharge, vertigo or balance difficulties.

A tympanostomy tube, sometimes called a grommet, passes through the eardrum and ventilates the middle ear. Before going home, ask which device was placed and how to contact your child’s care team.

While the tube remains in place, avoid getting water into the ear because it can encourage infection. Ask the ENT specialist about precautions for bathing and your child’s activities.

Temporary discharge, sometimes blood-stained, can occur after placement. If the ear is discharging or the eardrum is perforated, do not put your child’s head under water and use ear drops only on medical advice.

ENT reviews check hearing, complications and the course of the ear condition. A tube can become blocked or be expelled; ask when the next review is due and which signs to report sooner.