![]() ![]() I typically advise that the ears should be kept dry for six weeks after grommets are inserted. Whilst some surgeons advise very strict water precautions, others allow patients to swim straight away without ear plugs. It is interesting that there is not a great deal of evidence that keeping the ears dry after grommet insertions reduces the risks of ear infections. Keeping the ears dry : washing hair and swimming There are some other rare complications of grommets, including hearing loss, or middle ear problems as a result of eardrum skin being pushed in when the grommet is inserted (cholesteatoma). This is usually delayed until ten years of age or so. This may eventually heal, but a small operation may be required to repair the hole. In a small proportion of patients (1-2% risk after first grommet insertion), the grommet in one or both ears is pushed out by the ear drum(s), leaving a small hole ( perforation). In some cases, grommets may be removed if the discharge is repeated and persistent. ![]() Repeated courses of antibiotic drops may be required. Please refer to the ear drops section for specific advice about treatment of ear discharge. ![]() It would be useful for you to have your child’s ear(s) swabbed by your GP if this happens, prior to starting drops, to determine the bacteria responsible. This usually requires antibiotic ear drops (which work better than oral antibiotics). A small number (5-10%) will suffer persistent smelly discharge from one or both ears after grommet insertions, and this may start some time after the procedure. Large studies show that the risks of other complications are low. Others will have episodes of discomfort at a later stage when the ears are exposed to cold air or water- bearing in mind that the hole in the grommet allows exposure of the very sensitive lining of the middle ear. Some children may also have some ear discomfort after grommets, but this is usually short-lived. This is usually not an infection, and requires no treatment apart from dry mopping of the ear with cotton wool (but not cotton buds, which should never be inserted into the ear canal). It is common for children to have a little clear or blood-stained ear discharge during the first few days after the procedure. As discussed, they are eventually pushed out by the eardrum, after which glue ear may recur. It is important to realise that most children tolerate grommets very well, without complications. Further grommets may be required if the glue comes back, bearing in mind that the risk of glue ear diminishes with age. Grommets typically last 6-12 months, sometimes less or more, before the eardrum skin eventually pushes them out and the hole heals over. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic as a day case, and takes 20-30 minutes (including anaesthetic time), or longer if combined with other operations. ![]()
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