Grommet Insertion (adult)

Glue ear is a common condition where fluid collects in your middle ear behind your eardrum. It can cause deafness and repeated earache or infections, sometimes resulting in a discharge from your ear.

Your surgeon has recommended placing a grommet (small plastic or metal tube) to treat your glue ear.

The eustachian tube connects your middle ear with the back of your nose. Sometimes this tube does not work properly. This causes fluid to build up in your middle ear. This collection of fluid is called glue ear.

The grommet allows air to enter your middle ear, preventing fluid build-up and the resulting deafness.

Many people with glue ear do not need surgery. The condition almost always gets better but it is not always possible to say when this will happen.

Another treatment is to wear a hearing aid until hearing improves.

The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but a local anaesthetic can be used. The operation usually takes about 20 minutes.

Your surgeon will make a small hole in your eardrum and remove the fluid by suction. They will place a plastic or metal grommet in the hole.

You should be able to go home the same day.

Do not swim for 6 weeks and then do not dive deeper than 2 metres. Other than swimming, you should be able to return to normal activities after 1 to 2 days.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

The grommet will fall out of your ear by itself, after 6 to 18 months, depending on the material and design of the grommet.

General complications of any operation

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Blood clot in your leg
• Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

• Leaking from your ear of clear fluid or fluid mixed with blood for 1 to 2 days
• Ear discharge lasting longer than 1 to 2 days
• Small hole left in the eardrum
• Repeated build-up of fluid in your middle ear