Ear Tubes Procedure Performed by Leading Houston ENT Doctor

Will Ear Tubes Treat My Chronic Ear Infections?

Do you or your child suffer from chronic ear infection? If so, ear tubes may be the remedy for you.

Ear tubes are tiny cylinders placed through the ear drum, or the tympanic membrane, to allow air into the middle ear. They also may be called Tympanostomy tubes, Myringotomy tubes, Ventilation tubes, or PE (Pressure Equalization) tubes. The use of ear tubes are usually administered to patients who have chronic middle ear infections or hearing loss caused by the persistent presence of middle ear fluid. The tube is usually used as a more aggressive recourse and has proven to be extremely effective as a treatment.

Common causes of ear infection include:

1. Swimming
2. Hearing aids that obstruct the ear canal all day which can lead to sweating and prevention of earwax to extrude
3. Ear plugs for those that work around noise
4. Manipulating the ear with Q-tips (or similar tools) that can cause a scratch in ear canal skin allowing bacteria and fungus to get deeper into the skin and cause infection
5. Allergy or eczema of the ear canal

Benefits of Ear Tubes

There are two basic types of ear tubes:

1. Short Term – Short-term tubes are smaller and typically stay in place for six months to a year before falling out on their own.
2. Long Term – Long-term tubes are larger and have flanges that secure them in place for a longer period of time. Long-term tubes may fall out on their own, but removal by an otolaryngologist may be necessary.

Each year, more than half a million ear tube surgeries are performed on children, making it the most common childhood surgery performed with anesthesia. Ear infections can also be present in teens and adults and can lead to speech and balance problems, hearing loss, or changes in the structure of the ear drum.

Once the ear tubes have been placed, many patients report a significant reduction of fluid in the ear, allowing the ear canal to naturally rid itself of all pending infections.

What To Expect With the Otowick Placement Treatment

Ear tubes are inserted through an outpatient surgical procedure called a Myringotomy, referring to an incision in the ear drum or Tympanic membrane. This is most often done under a surgical microscope with a small scalpel, but it can also be accomplished with a laser.

Dr. Nguyen is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology with 10+ years of experience in his field. If you feel that ear tubes may improve you current condition, he can certainly help you.

Where Can Houston Residents Get Relief?

If you are suffering from an ear infection, and you live in the Houston area, make an appointment with Dr. Nguyen today to determine if the otowick placement treatment is right for you, and get the relief you need.  So book an assesstment, or contact us, and treat your ear infection today!