Grommets (ear tubes)

Grommets are small tubes that ventilate the middle ear through an opening in the eardrum. They are mainly used in children with persistent middle-ear fluid causing hearing problems or certain recurrent ear infections. Grommets usually fall out on their own.

• Reduced or fluctuating hearing, turning up the television or often asking what was said.
• Delayed or unclear speech, concentration problems or responding less well to sound.
• Follow the surgical team's fasting, pain relief and aftercare instructions exactly.
• Only use ear drops as prescribed and do not touch the ear or tube with the bottle.
• Get in touch for ear discharge that does not lessen within a few days after prescribed treatment or keeps returning.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.