Grommet Insertion (adult) | HMT Sancta Maria Hospital

Grommet Insertion (adult)

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> Grommet Insertion (adult)

What is glue ear?

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.

How does glue ear happen?

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.

What are the benefits of surgery?

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

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

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.

What does the operation involve?

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.

How soon will I recover?

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.

What complications can happen?

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

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

Glue ear is a common condition that usually gets better without any surgery. Surgery is recommended when the condition lasts longer than 3 months and the hearing loss is causing problems.

What to do next

Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
If you need one, ask your GP for a referral letter.
Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.

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