Services at Kogarah

Grommets (ventilation tubes) for glue ear and recurrent ear infections

Grommets are tiny tubes placed in the ear drum to let air into the middle ear. They are the most common operation performed on children in Australia and are used for persistent glue ear with hearing loss, and for recurrent middle ear infections.

When grommets are recommended

Fluid behind the ear drum (glue ear) is very common in young children and usually clears on its own. Grommets are considered when fluid has persisted for three months or more in both ears with a hearing loss on testing, when it is affecting speech, learning or behaviour, or when a child has had frequent acute ear infections over a winter. The decision is made with you, after a hearing test and tympanometry.

Adults occasionally need a grommet too — for example for persistent middle ear fluid after a cold or flight, or for Eustachian tube problems.

The procedure

Grommet insertion is a short day-surgery procedure under a brief general anaesthetic at St George Private Hospital. A small cut is made in the ear drum, any fluid is suctioned out and the grommet is placed. Adenoids are sometimes removed at the same time if they are contributing. Children are usually home within a few hours and back at school or daycare the next day.

A grommet usually stays in place for six to twelve months and then falls out on its own as the ear drum heals. Most children need only one set.

After grommets

Hearing usually improves immediately. Your surgeon will advise about swimming and bathing — for most children ordinary swimming is fine; diving and dirty water are best avoided. Occasional discharge from the ear is common and is treated with drops. A follow-up visit and hearing test are arranged to check the grommets and hearing.

Common questions

Are grommets done under general anaesthetic?

For children, yes — a short general anaesthetic as a day procedure; the operation itself typically takes 10–15 minutes. For selected adults, grommets can be inserted under local anaesthetic in the rooms.

Can my child swim with grommets?

Usually yes, for surface swimming in clean water. Your surgeon will give specific advice; ear plugs are sometimes suggested for bath water or beach swimming.

How long do grommets last?

Most fall out on their own after six to twelve months. A small number of children need a second set.

Is a hearing test needed first?

Yes. Hearing and tympanometry results guide the decision, and can be done with Precision Hearing in our suite.