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When are ear tubes needed?
It is not unusual to see an increased need for ear tubes during fall and winter months. As people spend more time inside, upper respiratory tract infections spread, sometimes causing ear infections. The issue is not with ear infections themselves, though. The issue lies with the fluid that can linger after infection. Generally, fluid should clear within three months of the infection’s onset. If fluid remains present longer, it is unlikely to resolve on its own, which can cause discomfort and health issues. Fortunately, ear tubes can help by allowing fluids to drain freely from the middle ear. In some instances, ear tubes are recommended for children who experience recurrent infections (three in six months or four in a year) or when a child has adverse reactions to antibiotics used to treat ear infections.
Outside of ear infections, ear tubes can help resolve issues with negative pressure in the middle ear. In this instance, ear tubes work by allowing pressure in the middle ear to equalize to ambient pressure.
Why ear tubes?
What are ear tubes?
How long are ear tubes present?
How are ear tubes placed?
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