1. Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Ear Infection Quiz
3. Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John D Donaldson, MD, FRCS(C), FAAP, FACS

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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The doctor, according to preference, will give instructions on whether the ears need to be protected from water. Most otolaryngologists agree that it is not necessary to avoid water exposure after the procedure, although some doctors may feel that it is necessary to keep the ears dry. Your doctor may recommend a follow-up examination 7-14 days after the procedure. Further appointments are typically scheduled every 3-6 months, depending upon the specific needs of the child. You may be given a prescription for ear drops and instructions for what to do about ear drainage that may occur from the ear.

Depending on the design and the needs of the child, ear tubes may eventually fall out on their own or require surgical removal. Generally, tubes that extrude on their own will last 9-15 months, but children will require new tubes if they have more infections after the first ones come out or the doctor notes more problems requiring ventilation. Long-term tubes can remain for many years are sometimes recommended as a second or subsequent ventilation tube.

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