Grommet Insertion

What Is Grommet Insertion Surgery?

Grommet insertion surgery is necessary when patients are suffering from a buildup of fluid in the middle ear, which can lead to hearing difficulties and infection.   

The surgeon administers general anesthesia before shining a fine microscope down the ear tube.  Performing a myringotomy by making a small cut in the eardrum, the surgeon pushes a thin sucking instrument through the hole and into the middle ear.  With this instrument, the surgeon draws out the fluid.  To complete the grommet insertion surgery, the surgeon plugs the hole with a small, hollow plastic tube called a grommet.  The flanges at either end of the grommet hold it in place in the eardrum.  The grommet allows air to flow easily from the ear tube into the middle ear to dry up any remaining fluid.  The entire procedure can be performed as an in-patient procedure, and both ears can be treated on the same day if necessary.   

After grommet insertion surgery, most patients feel little to no pain.  The fluid remaining in the middle ear dries within 6 to 8 weeks, leading to improved hearing.  The grommet remains in place for approximately 1 year.  As the fluid dries up, the hole in the ear drum reduces in size and squeezes the grommet out, which often gets stuck in ear wax in the ear tube.