Bilateral Myringotomy (Ear Tubes)
Relief for Ongoing Ear Infections
Lots of children 鈥 especially babies and toddlers 鈥 get middle ear infections. But when kids keep getting these infections or they cause hearing loss or a delay in speech, doctors may suggest myringotomy (ear tube surgery).
波色单双 otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat/ENT) see a lot of kids with ear infections. We do ear tube surgeries every day. We鈥檙e here to help kids feel better when their ears keep hurting.
Conditions We Treat
The middle ear is a space behind the eardrum that鈥檚 filled with air. When kids get a cold or other respiratory infection, bacteria or viruses can enter the middle ear through the eustachian tube (a small passage leading from the middle ear to the back of the nose). This can cause a middle ear infection ("otitis media"), which makes fluid or pus build up behind the eardrum. Pressure from this buildup pushes on the eardrum and causes pain. When kids keep getting middle ear infections it can sometimes cause hearing loss. And hearing loss over time may cause a delay in their speech.
Services We Offer
Because most kids have had infections in both ears, children often get surgery in both. The operation to insert ear tubes in both ears is called 鈥渂ilateral myringotomy with tubes鈥 (BMT). A surgeon inserts the tubes to ventilate (let air into) the area behind the eardrum and to keep the pressure equalized to atmospheric pressure in the middle ear.
This procedure helps kids have fewer ear infections. And, if they do still get them sometimes, they should be less severe. It also restores any temporary hearing loss caused by fluid building up behind the eardrum.
Why Choose Us
At Nemours, we have one of the largest ENT programs in the country. Many of our board-certified ENT specialists are named 鈥淏est Doctors in America庐,鈥 year after year. Our seasoned teams use state-of-the-art, child-friendly equipment. And our board-certified ENT surgeons are skilled in the latest surgery techniques and procedures. We鈥檒l take the time to explain your child鈥檚 ear tubes operation and answer all your questions.聽
Regional Myringotomy (Ear Tubes) Highlights
Services, programs and care teams differ at each location. Call for details.
Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia
We offer聽ear tube surgery at聽Nemours Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware聽(Wilmington) as well as select 波色单双聽satellite locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Central Florida
We offer聽ear tube surgery at聽Nemours Children鈥檚 Hospital, Florida聽(Orlando) and聽波色单双, Downtown Orlando.
Northeast Florida
We offer聽ear tube surgery at聽波色单双, Jacksonville聽(in聽collaboration with聽Wolfson Children鈥檚 Hospital,聽connected by a walkway).
Northwest Florida
We offer ear tube surgery at聽Nemours Children鈥檚 Health, Pensacola.
Scheduled Specialist Online Visits
Nemours now offers scheduled specialist appointments through live video visits. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.