Quick answer: Ear tubes, also called grommets, are tiny tubes placed through the eardrum during a small operation to let air into the middle ear and allow trapped fluid to drain. In Singapore they are one of the most common childhood ENT procedures, done as brief day surgery, and they often improve a child’s hearing and reduce recurrent ear problems. An ENT specialist at a centre such as KKH or NUH can advise whether your child would benefit.
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If your child has had glue ear, muffled hearing or repeated ear infections that will not settle, your paediatrician or ENT specialist may suggest grommets. For many parents the word “operation” sounds worrying, but this is a short, well-established procedure that children usually tolerate very well. This guide explains what grommets are, why they are used, and what to expect before, during and after.
What ear tubes (grommets) are
Grommets are tiny tubes placed through the eardrum during a small operation. They create a channel that lets air into the middle ear and allows trapped fluid to drain away. The middle ear normally ventilates through a narrow passage to the back of the nose; when that passage does not work well, fluid can build up behind the eardrum and dull hearing. A grommet takes over this ventilating role while the natural passage has time to recover. It is a common childhood procedure and usually helps with hearing and recurrent ear problems.
Why they are done
Grommets are used mainly for two reasons. The first is persistent glue ear, where fluid sits behind the eardrum and affects hearing, and sometimes speech and learning. The second is recurrent middle ear infections that keep coming back. An ENT specialist generally suggests grommets when the problem does not settle on its own after a period of watchful waiting, or when reduced hearing is starting to affect how a child communicates or learns.
How to prepare
In children, grommet insertion is done as a short day-surgery procedure under a brief general anaesthetic, so your child is asleep and feels nothing. You will be given fasting instructions telling you when your child must stop eating and drinking before the operation; following these carefully keeps the anaesthetic safe. Let the team know about any medicines, allergies or recent coughs and colds. Bring a favourite toy or comforter, and dress your child in comfortable clothing.
What happens during the procedure
The operation itself is quick. Once your child is asleep, the surgeon looks into the ear canal using a microscope, makes a tiny opening in the eardrum, gently removes the fluid, and places the grommet in the opening. There is usually no external cut, so there is nothing to see on the outside and no stitches to remove. Recovery from the anaesthetic is generally quick, and your child will be looked after in a recovery area as they wake.
Recovery
Children usually recover quickly and go home the same day. Some children are a little drowsy or unsettled for the rest of the day, which is normal after an anaesthetic. Mild ear discomfort can occur and settles with simple comfort measures advised by your team. A small amount of ear discharge afterwards can happen and is usually treated easily, often with ear drops prescribed by your doctor. Your surgeon will tell you what is expected and what to watch for.
Benefits and what to expect
For many children, grommets bring improved hearing, fewer ear infections and better overall comfort. Because fluid is drained and the middle ear is ventilated again, hearing improvement is often noticeable soon after surgery. Parents sometimes notice their child responding more readily, turning the television down, or speaking more clearly. Every child is different, so your ENT specialist will explain the likely benefits in your child’s particular situation.
How long they stay and afterwards
Grommets are designed to be temporary. They usually fall out on their own over time as the eardrum heals and pushes them out; you may not even notice when this happens. Some children need grommets again if fluid or infections return after the tubes come out. Your ENT team will arrange follow-up, which typically includes hearing checks to confirm that hearing has improved and to keep an eye on the ears over time.
Water precautions
Many children with grommets can carry on with normal activities, including swimming and bathing. Advice on water varies between surgeons and depends on your child, so it is best to follow the specific guidance your ENT specialist gives you. Some suggest avoiding dunking the head deep underwater or diving, while everyday washing and gentle swimming are usually fine. Ask your surgeon what is right for your child rather than assuming a strict rule.
Risks
Grommets are generally very safe and complications are usually minor. The most common is ear discharge, which is typically treated with drops. Occasionally a small hole can persist in the eardrum after a grommet comes out, and sometimes it needs attention. A grommet may also come out early or need replacing if problems return. Your ENT specialist will discuss these possibilities with you before the operation so you know what to expect.
When to see a doctor after
Contact your doctor or ENT team if your child has ongoing ear discharge that does not settle, a fever, worsening ear pain, or if you are worried that hearing has not improved or seems to be getting worse. These signs do not always mean something serious, but they should be checked so any infection or problem can be treated early. Trust your instincts as a parent, and seek advice if something does not seem right.
Common questions
Will the operation hurt my child?
The procedure is done under a brief general anaesthetic, so your child is asleep and feels nothing during it. Any discomfort afterwards is usually mild and short-lived.
Can my child swim with grommets?
Often yes. Many children swim and bathe normally, but advice differs between surgeons, so follow the specific guidance your ENT specialist gives for your child.
How long do grommets last?
They are meant to be temporary and usually fall out on their own as the eardrum heals. The exact timing varies from child to child.
Will my child need grommets again?
Some children do, if fluid or infections return after the tubes come out. Your ENT team will follow up and advise if a repeat procedure is helpful.
When will hearing improve?
Because the fluid is drained during surgery, improved hearing is often noticeable soon afterwards. Follow-up hearing checks help confirm the result.
Related guides
Sources
- KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)
- HealthHub, Singapore
- Singapore ENT specialist and otolaryngology professional guidance
- NHS
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Whether grommets are right for your child depends on their individual situation. Please consult a qualified ENT specialist or paediatrician in Singapore for diagnosis and treatment. Never rely on this guide to diagnose or manage an ear condition on your own.