Grommets

What is grommet surgery?

Grommets are tiny tubes which inserted into the eardrum to allow air to pass through and keep the air pressure on either side equal. Grommets usually stay in place for 12-18 months. As the eardrum heals, the grommet is naturally pushed out. You may or may not notice when this happens.

Why have this procedure?

Grommets are used to relieve glue ear and recurrent middle ear infections in children and adults. Glue ear is a persistent build-up of thick fluid in the middle ear that can lead to hearing loss and delayed speech and language development in children if left untreated. After grommets are inserted, the fluid in the eardrum usually clears.

What is involved in this procedure?

During grommet surgery, your ENT surgeon will make a tiny hole in the eardrum and insert the grommet into the hole. Fluid is also drained from the middle ear during the procedure.

Your child will receive a general anaesthetic so they are asleep during the operation and will not feel or remember anything afterwards. Once your child has fully woken up from the anaesthetic, feels comfortable and has had something to eat and drink you will be able to take your child home.

What should I expect after surgery?

After surgery, your child may start to hear better straight away. A hearing test soon after the surgery can confirm this. If hearing is not back to normal, the child may need further tests. A small amount of oozing or bleeding from the ear is to be expected for 1-2 days, which should be cleaned gently from the outside only (do not poke anything inside the ear canal).

It is especially important to keep the ears dry to prevent water getting inside the middle ear cavity. Your ENT surgeon will give you instructions on how to protect your child’s ears during swimming or bathing while the grommets are in place.

Where will my child have surgery?

Having grommets is a surgical procedure that is done in hospital. Grommet surgery is usually performed as a day surgery, which means your child will be able to go home the same day. If your child is also having another procedure, an overnight stay in hospital may be required.  

If you have private health cover, you can choose to have the surgery at North Shore Private Hospital, Castlecrag Private Hospital or Northern Beaches Hospital. If you prefer to be seen as a public patient, surgery is offered at Northern Beaches Hospital or Westmead Children’s Hospital.