Insertion of grommets

What is a grommet?

It is a small plastic tube which is placed in the eardrum.

What does it do?

The hole in the middle of the grommet allows the ear to fill with air and prevents fluid, which causes deafness.

How long does it stay in the eardrum?

On average six to nine months. Eventually the eardrum pushes the grommet out naturally.

Will more grommets have to be inserted?

Not usually, but sometimes fluid forms again once the eardrum has healed and further grommets are needed.

Can the grommets cause complications?

In the majority of cases the presence of the grommet causes little trouble. The grommet can sometimes let infection into the ear which can cause the affected ear to discharge or produce a stain on the pillow at night. If that happens contact your family doctor.

Swimming and hair washing

No swimming, and keep the ears dry when hair washing until you, or your child is seen in the clinic for follow-up; usually four to six weeks after the operation.

If you are worried about the condition of you, or your child, please contact:

• You’re General Practitioner

Or

• Your consultants Registrar on call on 01223 245151
• Or
• Day Surgery unit on 01223 256330 (Monday to Friday, 08:00 until 20:00)