Ear & Hearing
Ear Tubes (Tympanostomy Tubes)
Tiny tubes that end the cycle of repeated ear infections and clear the fluid that muffles a child’s hearing.
Ear tubes are tiny cylinders placed in the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear. They are the most common childhood surgical procedure in the U.S. — a brief, safe operation that drains trapped fluid, restores hearing, and sharply reduces repeat infections. Dr. Bortniker has decades of experience placing tubes in children and adults, and equally importantly, knowing when they are and are not needed.
Signs Tubes May Help
- Frequent ear infections
- Fluid that will not clear
- Muffled hearing or speech delay
- Infections despite antibiotics
Talk to a specialist
A calm, experienced approach to ear tubes — Somerville and Warren offices.
How Tube Placement Works
Under a brief general anesthetic (for children), a tiny opening is made in the eardrum, fluid is drained, and the tube is set in place — the whole procedure takes about 10–15 minutes, and children go home the same day, usually back to normal by the next morning.
Life With Tubes
Tubes typically stay in place six months to two years and fall out on their own as the eardrum heals. Hearing improvement is often immediate. Most children can swim and bathe normally — Dr. Bortniker will tell you if your child needs any precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child need tubes again?
Most children outgrow the problem as their Eustachian tubes mature; a minority need a second set. Follow-up visits track the tubes and hearing until the ears stay healthy on their own.