What can happen After Ear Tube Surgery in Infants

A doctor may recommend ear tube surgery for an infant who has recurrent, painful ear infections that do not respond to traditional antibiotic medication. Ear tube surgery involves the placement of a tube in one or both ears to drain excess fluid present behind an infant's ear drum. Parents or caregivers should discuss the potential complications after ear tube surgery in infants before their baby has ear tubes inserted.

Loss of Hearing

Rarely, infants who undergo ear tube surgery can develop hearing loss as a complication of this procedure, warn Aurora Health Care medical professionals. Infants who experience hearing loss may be unresponsive to the voice of a parent or caregiver.

Scarring or Eardrum hole

An ear tube is placed through a small incision within an infant's ear drum. Incomplete ear drum healing can occur as a complication after ear tube surgery, explains Aurora Health Care. If the incision does not heal, an infant can be at an increased risk of developing ear infection symptoms. Extensive scaring of the ear drum may also develop in certain infants following ear tube surgery and all lead to significant hearing loss.

Ear Drainage or Infection

Approximately 20 percent of patients who have ear tube surgery experience ear drainage as a complication of this procedure, explain health professionals with the Center of Excellence for Medical Multimedia. The fluid that leaks from the ear can initially appear discolored or bloody. Ear drainage is a temporary complication after ear tube surgery and affected infants typically recover without further medical intervention. Rarely, severe swelling in the treated ear may require surgery to remove the placed ear tube.

Premature or Delayed Tube Loss

Ear tubes normally fall out of an infant's ears approximately two years after surgery, according to CEMM health professionals. If the ear tubes fall out prematurely or remain stuck within the ears, the child may require additional surgery to have the ear tubes replaced or removed.

from:

www.livestrong.com