What to do if the tympani tube is blocked? | Timpani Tubes

What to do if the tympani tube is blocked?

If the tympani tube is blocked, there are two alternatives to solve the problem

  • In some cases, the blockage can be removed by the ENT specialist without removing the tympanic tube. In the majority of cases, the tube opening is blocked by light encrustations caused by dried secretions or earwax. In these cases, a slight loosening can help.
  • If it is not possible to restore continuity, the timpani tube must be replaced.

    This process is much easier than the initial installation of the timpani tube. For this purpose, the eardrum is usually anaesthetized locally and the blocked tube is removed. It is replaced by a new tube that is inserted in the same place.

    In order to prevent further clogging, it may sometimes be necessary to choose a tube with a different diameter or a different material. This prevents small particles in the secretion from clogging the lumen or sticking to the material. Gold platinum timpani tubes are particularly suitable here, as they have an additional antibacterial effect. Any possible surrounding swelling around the opening is thus prevented and enables the secretion to be emptied properly. Silicone timpani tubes, however, are just as good at conducting secretion and are recommended for their good malleability to the tissue.

Why does secretion leak from the ear?

The purpose of the tympanic tube is to create a connection between the external auditory canal and the middle ear. This is to ensure the ventilation of the middle ear and the drainage of accumulated secretions. So if the ear is running after the insertion of a tympani tube, this indicates that the therapy is successful.

The secretion is directed outwards through the tube and shows up in an outflow from the ear. Depending on the type of secretion, it can take on a clear to yellowish color and vary greatly in odor. As a rule of thumb, a step-by-step reduction of the outflow above ground should be considered.

The emptied secretion should also be used to eliminate the pathogens from the middle ear. An increasing discharge indicates a complicated healing process and should be clarified by a doctor. In general, the discharge should be intercepted with absorbent cotton in the outer ear canal.

Loosely inserted into the ear canal, the absorbent cotton absorbs the secretion and can then be easily removed. It is very important to change the absorbent cotton regularly, as otherwise the infection may reoccur. At the beginning of the therapy this may be necessary every four hours. Affected patients should not be frightened by the amount of discharge, but should support a smooth emptying. This can be achieved by additionally lying on the affected side.