What are the risks?
The installation of a tympanic tube is a relatively low-risk form of treatment. The greatest risk is the incorrect insertion of the tympanic tube into the eardrum. It is important that it is inserted in the anterior lower quadrant.
Inserting it in another quadrant could lead to injury to the structures of the ossicles behind it. The injury may then result in a reduction in hearing ability. Bleeding is unlikely to occur during the procedure.
Although the eardrum is a part of the ear that is supplied with blood, it does not carry large vessels. In addition, the surrounding structures are mostly of a bony or cartilaginous nature and do not bear the risk of a major source of bleeding. The fear of a too large cut in the eardrum is quite justified.
An excessively large incision can mean that the tympanic tube can no longer be securely anchored in the artificially created hole. Here, however, the affected person can be reassured that the eardrum has a good ability to regenerate. As a rule, it heals within a few weeks and the goal of acute relief of the middle ear has nevertheless been achieved.
In addition, each medical incision is usually smaller than a natural tear of the eardrum.A rupture of the eardrum occurs naturally when the accumulation of secretions exerts too much pressure on the eardrum. The creation of a tympanic tube prevents this and minimizes the defect. In the best case, the diameter of the tube is therefore around one millimeter. Find more information on the topic: Eardrum
How strong is the pain afterwards?
If pain occurs in connection with the application of a tympanic tube, it is usually not caused by the tube itself. Rather, it is the circumstance such as an inflammation of the middle ear that causes the pain. Especially the process of emptying accumulated secretions from the middle ear via the tube can be painful at first, as the flow of secretions irritates the inflamed mucous membrane in the middle ear.
Experience shows, however, that affected persons feel less pain after the tube is inserted, as the pressure from the constricted eardrum is relieved. It depends on the intensity of the pain, which pain-relieving measure should be chosen. In the case of slight pain, a relocation of the head often helps to bring about an improvement.
In this case, the person affected must decide individually whether lying on your side or sitting upright is more effective. If this simple measure is not sufficient, it is recommended to take an analgesic with an anti-inflammatory component such as ibuprofen for stronger pain. The dosage should be appropriate for the age of the patient and should follow the instructions on the package insert. A doctor should always be consulted if the pain does not subside.
