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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffEar tube placement is a safe procedure with a low risk of serious complications. Possible risks include:
- Bleeding and infection
- Persistent drainage of fluid
- Tearing or scarring of the eardrum
Surgery for ear tube placement usually requires general anesthesia, which carries some risks as well, although the risks of anesthesia are very low in otherwise healthy children. Possible risks associated with anesthesia include:
- Allergic reaction
- Fever
- Breathing difficulties
- Heart irregularities
- Ear tubes. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Ear-Tubes.cfm. Accessed March 10, 2009.
- Isaacson GC. Overview of tympanostomy tube placement and medical care of children with tympanostomy tubes. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 10, 2009.
- Otitis media (ear infection). National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/otitism.htm. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Rowe LD. Conductive hearing loss. In: Current Surgical Diagnosis & Treatment. 12th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2006.
- Lous J. Which children would benefit most from tympanostomy tubes (grommets)? A personal evidence-based review. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 2008;72:731.
- Keyhani S, et al. Overuse of tympanostomy tubes in New York metropolitan area: Evidence from five hospital cohort. BMJ. 2008;337:1607.
