Hummingbird Ear Tubes SoCal’s Otolaryngology Experts
It starts with a restless night—your child wakes up crying, tugging at their ear, flushed with fever. Another ear infection. The discomfort makes it hard for them to sleep, eat, or even hear you clearly, and before you know it, you’re back at the doctor’s office for yet another round of antibiotics. Ear infections are one of the most common childhood health concerns, affecting 75% of children by age three. While some may have only an occasional infection, others face repeated episodes that disrupt their daily lives and put their hearing and well-being at risk.
Ear tube placement is a proven solution that dramatically reduces the frequency of infections, helping your child sleep better, hear more clearly, and feel like themselves again. Traditionally, ear tube surgery has required general anesthesia, fasting, and post-operative monitoring in a hospital setting. At Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT), we are proud to offer an innovative, FDA-approved alternative—the Hummingbird® Procedure. This in-office treatment eliminates the need for hospital-based surgery, making it a quicker, safer, and more cost-effective option. With no general anesthesia and minimal downtime, your child can return to normal activities the same day.
If your child is experiencing chronic ear infections or fluid buildup, our board-certified ENT specialists are here to provide the latest, most comfortable treatment options available.
We are proud to specialize in Hummingbird® In-Office Ear Tubes, a minimally invasive solution for children suffering from recurrent ear infections and fluid buildup in the middle ear. The procedure involves placing small tubes in the eardrum to allow proper airflow and drainage, preventing infections and improving hearing.
Unlike traditional ear tube surgery, which requires general anesthesia and a hospital setting, the Hummingbird procedure is performed in-office with topical anesthesia. This approach makes the experience safer, faster, and more comfortable for both children and parents.
The lightweight, comfortable design ensures a secure fit without placing pressure on the skin or skull, enhancing long-term wearability. With full wireless connectivity, users can seamlessly integrate their hearing device with smartphones, TVs, and other modern technology for a truly connected experience.
How It Works:
The ENT specialist applies a gentle anesthetic to the eardrum to ensure a pain-free experience.
Using the Hummingbird device, the doctor expertly inserts the ear tube in just a few seconds per ear.
The entire process takes less than five minutes, and your child can return to normal activities right away.
Ear tube placement is commonly recommended for children with:
Frequent infections can lead to hearing problems, speech delays, and discomfort.
Fluid buildup behind the eardrum can cause muffled hearing and frequent infections.
When the natural drainage system of the ear isn’t working properly, tubes help restore normal airflow.
By improving ventilation in the middle ear, Hummingbird ear tubes help prevent infections, reduce discomfort, and enhance hearing clarity.
The Hummingbird procedure offers several advantages over traditional ear tube surgery, including:
Reduces risks associated with sedation and eliminates the need for fasting before the procedure.
No need for a hospital stay or extended recovery time.
The procedure is completed in minutes, with parents able to stay with their child for added reassurance.
No operating room or facility fees, making this a more affordable option for families.
Children can return to normal activities right away with minimal discomfort.
With proven clinical success and high patient satisfaction, Hummingbird ear tubes offer a better, more comfortable solution for treating chronic ear infections.
Children who experience frequent ear infections, persistent middle ear fluid, or hearing issues due to Eustachian tube dysfunction may be excellent candidates for Hummingbird ear tubes. If your child has had three or more ear infections in six months or struggles with fluid buildup that affects speech development and daily hearing, ear tube placement can provide long-term relief.
The Hummingbird procedure is particularly beneficial for families seeking a safe, anesthesia-free alternative to traditional surgery. Since this in-office treatment is quick, minimally invasive, and requires no hospital stay, it’s an ideal option for parents looking for a stress-free solution with immediate recovery. If your child has been recommended for ear tubes, our specialists at SoCal ENT can determine if the Hummingbird procedure is the right fit.
One of the biggest advantages of the Hummingbird procedure is the immediate recovery.
Since there is no general anesthesia, children can resume normal activities the same day. Some mild discomfort may occur but typically resolves quickly. Parents will need to follow some basic aftercare instructions, keeping the ears dry as advised by the doctor, monitoring for any signs of discomfort or drainage, and attending a follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing. With minimal downtime and no hospital stay, this procedure offers a lower-stress experience for both parents and children.
The Hummingbird procedure provides immediate relief by improving ear ventilation and drainage, reducing infection risk, and enhancing hearing clarity. Clinical studies have shown:
With lasting benefits and a quick, comfortable experience, Hummingbird ear tubes are a proven solution for children with chronic ear infections.
With a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA), you’ll experience clearer, more natural hearing that helps you stay connected to the world around you.
Unlike traditional hearing aids, BAHA bypasses the outer and middle ear, sending sound directly to your inner ear through bone conduction. Once activated, you’ll notice sharper speech clarity, making conversations easier to follow—even in noisy environments. You’ll also regain a sense of direction in sound, helping you distinguish where noises are coming from. Plus, the discreet, behind-the-ear design blends seamlessly with your hairline, so you can enjoy better hearing without drawing attention to the device.
Your BAHA implant is built to last a lifetime, integrating naturally with your bone for a stable, reliable hearing solution. While the implant itself never needs replacement, the external sound processor may need an upgrade every five to seven years to keep up with the latest technology. With proper care, you’ll enjoy lifelong benefits—clearer conversations, greater awareness, and renewed confidence in social settings. And if you ever need an adjustment or upgrade, SoCal ENT is here to support you every step of the way.
The entire procedure typically takes less than five minutes.
No, a topical anesthetic numbs the eardrum, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Yes! Parents can be present for reassurance and support.
Children can resume their regular routine immediately after the procedure.
Tubes typically stay in place for 6-12 months and fall out naturally.
