Ear tubes placed in the eardrum can create an opening into the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum) so fluid and pressure won't build up. They help kids get fewer ear infections and can sometimes help with hearing loss. Kids heal quickly after ear tube surgery, but some may have ear drainage, pain, or popping for a few days. Use these instructions to care for your child while they recover.

• At home, your child can eat a regular diet.
• Give your child plenty of fluids to drink.
• Let your child rest as needed.
• Have your child take it easy on the day of surgery. They can go back to regular activities the day after surgery.
• Follow the surgeon's recommendations for:
  • giving ear drops
  • giving medicine for pain
  • whether your child should use ear plugs when bathing or swimming
  • when to follow up to make sure the ear tubes are draining
  • whether to schedule a hearing test
• If your child has drainage coming out of the ears, place a clean cotton ball in the opening of the ear. Do not use a cotton swab (Q-tip®) inside the ear.
• If your child needs to blow their nose, tell them to do so gently.
• Your child can travel on airplanes.

Your child has:

• vomiting 
• a fever
• ear pain or drainage for more than a week after surgery
• blood-tinged or yellowish-green ear drainage
• a bad smell coming from the ear
• an ear tube that falls out

• You notice more than a teaspoon of blood in the ear drainage.
• Your child develops severe ear pain.

How long do ear tubes stay in? Ear tubes usually stay in from 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of tube used. They usually fall out on their own, pushed out as the eardrum heals. If a tube stays in the eardrum beyond 2 to 3 years, though, your doctor might choose to remove it.