What are the downsides and possible risks to having tubes in the ears?

There are risks associated with ear tube placement.  For children, tubes are placed in a surgical setting under anesthesia so that they are comfortable and lying still while the tubes are being inserted.  For adults, tubes can be placed in the office under local anesthesia placed into the ear canal—much like going to the dentist for a cavity.  

• There are anesthetic risks when placing ear tubes just like there would be in any surgical procedure requiring sedation/anesthesia.  
• Other risks include potential scarring of the ear drum or permanent perforation of the ear drum.  However, with the short acting tubes (which are used most commonly) that stay in place for a matter of months these risks are more minimal.  
• Scarring of the ear drum can also occur from having recurring infections—it is not exclusive to having tubes. 
• Residual perforation, a perforation that does not heal on its own after the tubes fall out, risk is about 1-3%.  If this were to occur, it could involve another surgical procedure down the road to patch the ear drum.

My next blog will address other options.

  

Have a great day!

Kurtis Waters MD