# Ear Tube Surgery > Ear tube (grommet) insertion by ENT surgeon Op. Dr. Cenk Teker in Istanbul for glue ear and repeated ear infections. A 15–20 minute day-case procedure. Source: https://www.drcenkteker.com/en/procedures/ear-tube-surgery/ Updated: 2026-10-29 Ear & throat Ventilation tubes for fluid behind the eardrum and repeated ear infections. [Message on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/905324153539) [Call the practice](tel:+905324153539) Performed by Op. Dr. Cenk Teker Operation time 15–20 minutes Anaesthesia General for children · local possible for adults Hospital stay Day case Back to work Next day Final result Hearing usually better once fluid drains Behind the eardrum lies the middle ear, a small air-filled space that carries sound to the inner ear. It is ventilated by the Eustachian tube, which runs to the back of the nose. In children this tube is short and easily blocked, by colds, allergy or enlarged adenoids, and when it blocks, fluid collects behind the eardrum. Doctors call it otitis media with effusion; parents know it as glue ear. Hearing becomes muffled, as though underwater, and the stagnant fluid invites one infection after another. Ear tube surgery, also known as grommet insertion or tympanostomy, is the standard treatment when the fluid does not clear by itself. A tube a few millimetres across is placed through a tiny incision in the eardrum. It drains the fluid, lets air into the middle ear, and gives the Eustachian tube time to mature or recover. Hearing usually improves once the fluid has been drained. ## When tubes are recommended Fluid behind the eardrum often clears on its own within weeks, so Dr. Teker does not rush to surgery. Tubes are advised when fluid has persisted for around three months with measurable hearing loss, when infections keep recurring despite treatment, when a child’s speech or learning is being affected, or when the eardrum is being drawn inward by pressure. In adults, persistent fluid, pressure problems, or the need to fly or dive with a blocked ear are the usual reasons. ## The procedure It takes fifteen to twenty minutes. Under the operating microscope, Dr. Teker makes a small incision in the eardrum, suctions out the fluid, which is frequently thick and glue-like, and places the tube in the incision. Children have a short general anaesthetic and are home within hours. Adults can often have it done under local anaesthesia. If enlarged adenoids are the reason the ears cannot ventilate, they are removed in the same session, which can lower the chance of the fluid returning. ## Life with tubes The tubes are not normally felt and need no daily care. A little discharge in the first days is normal, and an ear infection while the tube is in place shows itself as discharge rather than pain and is treated with drops. Surface swimming is usually fine; diving and dirty water are best avoided. Over six to eighteen months the eardrum gradually pushes the tube out and the small hole heals over. Check-ups every few months follow the process and check the hearing. ## Hearing and speech Muffled hearing in a young child affects speech, attention and behaviour in ways that are easy to mistake for something else. When persistent fluid is the cause, draining it and ventilating the middle ear usually improves hearing. ## Is it right for you? - Fluid has been behind the eardrum for more than three months, with hearing loss. - Your child has had repeated middle ear infections, for example three in six months or four in a year. - Speech or school performance is affected by muffled hearing. - The eardrum is being pulled inward by negative pressure. - You are an adult with persistent fluid or pressure that has not settled with treatment, or a blocked ear before flying or diving. ## How the operation is done 1. Hearing test and examination A hearing test and a tympanogram confirm fluid behind the eardrum. Dr. Teker examines the ears with a microscope. 2. Anaesthesia Children have a brief general anaesthetic. Adults can often have the procedure under local anaesthesia. 3. Myringotomy Under the microscope, a tiny incision is made in the eardrum, in a part of the drum away from the hearing bones. 4. Draining the fluid The trapped fluid, often thick like glue, is gently suctioned from the middle ear. 5. Placing the tube A ventilation tube a few millimetres across is placed in the incision. It keeps the middle ear aired while the natural tube from the ear to the throat recovers. 6. Adenoids if needed If enlarged adenoids are blocking the ear’s ventilation, they are removed in the same anaesthetic. ## Recovery, step by step 1. Day 1 Home within hours. Hearing is often better immediately. A little discharge from the ear for a day or two is normal. 2. Week 1 Normal activities, school and work. Ear drops may be prescribed for a few days. 3. Weeks 2–4 As hearing improves, speech and attention may improve in children too. A follow-up hearing test checks the hearing. 4. Months 6–18 The tube gradually works its way out of the eardrum on its own and the small hole closes. 5. Ongoing Check-ups every few months while the tube is in place. ### A note on risks Ear tube insertion is a short procedure with few complications. The most common issue is ear discharge from an infection while the tube is in place, which is treated with drops. Rarely the small hole in the eardrum does not close after the tube falls out and needs a minor repair. A thin scar on the eardrum is common and usually does not affect hearing. Fluid can return after the tube has gone, and a small number of children need a second set. Anaesthetic risks are low for such a short procedure and are discussed beforehand. In every surgical or interventional procedure, results may vary from person to person. Please obtain a detailed opinion from your physician before any procedure. ## Questions patients ask **How long do the tubes stay in?** Standard tubes stay for six to eighteen months and fall out by themselves as the eardrum heals. Longer-lasting tubes are used when the problem is expected to persist. **Can my child swim with tubes?** Surface swimming in clean pools is generally fine. Dr. Teker advises avoiding diving and dirty water and may suggest earplugs for bathing with soapy water. **Will the tubes hurt?** Once in place they are not normally felt. The procedure itself is done asleep for children, and any discomfort afterwards is usually slight. **What if fluid comes back after the tube falls out?** Many children have outgrown the problem by then. If fluid returns with hearing loss, a second tube can be placed, often together with removal of the adenoids. **Do adults need general anaesthesia?** Usually not. In adults the tube can often be placed under local anaesthetic drops or injection in a few minutes. Travelling from abroad? How long to stay in Istanbul, the consultation in person and follow-up after you fly home: [International patients](https://www.drcenkteker.com/en/international-patients/) ## References 1. Rosenfeld RM, Tunkel DE, Schwartz SR, Anne S, Bishop CE, Chelius DC, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Tympanostomy Tubes in Children (Update). Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2022;166(S1). [doi:10.1177/01945998211065662](https://doi.org/10.1177/01945998211065662). 2. Rosenfeld RM, Shin JJ, Schwartz SR, Coggins R, Gagnon L, Hackell JM, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with Effusion (Update). Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2016;154(S1). [doi:10.1177/0194599815623467](https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599815623467). Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Cenk Teker, 26 October 2026 ## Articles on this subject [Adenoid Surgery · 5 min read Adenoids and ear tubes in children: signs, waiting and surgery The signs of large adenoids and fluid behind the eardrum, why doctors usually wait three months, when tubes or adenoid removal are considered, and aftercare. Read more](https://www.drcenkteker.com/en/blog/adenoids-and-ear-tubes-in-children/) ## Related procedures [Ear & throat Adenoid Surgery Removing enlarged adenoids that block breathing, cause snoring and lead to repeated ear and sinus infections. A short operation through the mouth, most often in children, occasionally in adults. Read more](https://www.drcenkteker.com/en/procedures/adenoid-surgery/) [Ear & throat Tonsillectomy Removing the tonsils for repeated tonsillitis, tonsil stones or obstructed breathing during sleep. A common operation with a set recovery plan. Read more](https://www.drcenkteker.com/en/procedures/tonsillectomy/) [All procedures](https://www.drcenkteker.com/en/procedures/) ## Talk it through with Dr. Teker Write on WhatsApp or call to request an appointment. Consultations take place at the practice in Bakırköy. [Message on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/905324153539) [+90 532 415 35 39](tel:+905324153539) [Send a request](https://www.drcenkteker.com/en/contact/)