About
Glue ear is a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. This can make it hard to hear. It usually clears on its own but if it doesn't, it can impact your child’s speech development or be a sign of more serious disease in adults. Grommets are tiny tubes that allow air to circulate in the middle ear.
Need to know
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What happens icon plus
Grommet insertion involves a short operation called myringotomy. It can be carried out under local anaesthetic (which blocks pain in the area) or general anaesthetic (where you'll be asleep). And it's usually done as a day-case procedure. Your surgeon will make a small opening in the eardrum and remove the fluid from the ear. The surgeon will then place a grommet into the opening. The procedure usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes in a dedicated ear, nose and throat unit. -
How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will explain how to prepare and what will happen when the grommets are inserted. -
Afterwards icon plus
You or your child should be able to go back to normal one or two days after the grommet operation. Within a few weeks, you or your child will be able to go swimming. Flying is not a problem with grommets. Your consultant will arrange a hearing test in the first few weeks following surgery to confirm that hearing has improved. They'll schedule follow-up hearing tests every few months until the grommets fall out. Usually the grommets will fall out naturally after six months to a year.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.