Experience the Hummingbird® Procedure: an in-office treatment that skips hospital-based surgery for a quicker, safer, and more affordable solution. Without general anesthesia, your child can resume normal activities the same day with minimal downtime.
It often begins with a sleepless night — your child is crying, tugging at their ear, and running a fever. Another ear infection. The pain makes it difficult to sleep, eat, or even hear clearly.
For many families, this becomes a repeating cycle of antibiotics and doctor visits. Ear infections are one of the most common conditions in children, with roughly three out of four experiencing at least one by age three. While some recover easily, others struggle with frequent infections that can affect hearing and quality of life.
Ear tube placement offers lasting relief by improving ear drainage and reducing the recurrence of infections. Traditionally, this procedure required hospital-based surgery under general anesthesia. At the Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT), we now offer a modern alternative—the Hummingbird® Procedure, an FDA-approved, in-office ear tube placement that requires no general anesthesia or fasting. The treatment is quick, gentle, and allows children to return to their normal routines the same day.
If your child suffers from chronic ear infections or persistent fluid buildup, our board-certified ENT specialists provide expert care using the latest, most comfortable, and child-friendly solutions available.
The Hummingbird® in-office ear tube procedure is a gentle, minimally invasive treatment for children who experience frequent ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear. The procedure involves placing tiny ventilation tubes in the eardrum to restore normal airflow and drainage, reducing the risk of infection and helping improve hearing.
The Hummingbird® system revolutionizes ear tube procedures by offering a swift, safe, and comfortable alternative to traditional surgery. Unlike the conventional approach, which requires general anesthesia and a hospital visit, this innovative method enables in-office placement using only a topical anesthetic. This means less stress for parents and quicker relief for children, all while maintaining safety and comfort. It's a solution that provides peace of mind without the usual hassle or anxiety associated with medical procedures.
The Hummingbird® procedure is designed to be quick, gentle, and stress-free for both children and parents. The treatment is performed entirely in-office and typically takes less than five minutes from start to finish. This efficient approach offers fast relief from chronic ear infections and helps children regain clear hearing and restful nights without the stress of hospital-based surgery.
How It Works:
A mild numbing solution is applied to the eardrum to keep your child comfortable throughout the procedure.
Using the Hummingbird® device, the ENT specialist carefully places a small ear tube into the eardrum—usually taking only a few seconds per ear.
Once complete, your child can return to regular activities the same day, with no need for general anesthesia or post-operative monitoring.
Ear tube placement is often advised for children who experience ongoing ear problems that interfere with hearing or comfort.
Frequent infections can lead to ear pain, hearing difficulties, and speech delays. Ear tubes improve airflow and drainage, reducing the cycle of infection and inflammation.
Fluid that remains trapped behind the eardrum can cause muffled hearing and discomfort. Hummingbird® ear tubes promote proper drainage, helping restore normal hearing and relieve pressure.
When the ear’s natural drainage system isn’t working correctly, fluid and pressure can build up in the middle ear. Ear tubes help equalize pressure and keep the ear properly ventilated.
Hummingbird ear tubes boost middle ear ventilation to prevent infections, ease discomfort, and improve hearing clarity.
The Hummingbird® ear tube procedure provides a safer, faster, and more convenient alternative to traditional ear tube surgery. Families appreciate its comfort, efficiency, and excellent results—all without the stress of a hospital visit.
Eliminates the need for sedation and fasting, reducing risk and making the experience easier for both children and parents.
Performed entirely in the comfort of our clinic—no hospital stay or long recovery period required.
The procedure takes only a few minutes, and parents can remain with their child throughout for reassurance.
No operating room or facility fees, making it a more affordable solution for families.
Most children return to their usual routines immediately after the procedure with little to no discomfort.
Hummingbird ear tubes offer a comfortable and effective solution for treating chronic ear infections, backed by proven success and high patient satisfaction.
Children who experience repeated ear infections, persistent middle ear fluid, or hearing loss from Eustachian tube dysfunction may benefit from the Hummingbird® ear tube procedure.
Your child may be a good candidate if they have had three or more ear infections within six months or ongoing fluid buildup that interferes with hearing and speech development. By restoring proper ventilation and drainage in the middle ear, Hummingbird® ear tubes can provide lasting relief, helping your child hear clearly, sleep better, and stay healthy without repeated rounds of antibiotics.
Recovery after the Hummingbird® procedure is typically fast and uncomplicated. Because no general anesthesia is used, most children are alert and back to their normal activities the very same day.
Mild ear discomfort may occur but usually fades within a short time. Parents are given simple aftercare instructions—such as keeping the ears dry as directed, watching for any drainage, and returning for a follow-up visit to confirm proper healing.
With its minimal downtime and gentle approach, the Hummingbird® procedure offers a smooth, low-stress recovery for both children and parents.
The Hummingbird® procedure delivers fast, lasting relief for children dealing with chronic ear infections or fluid buildup.
Clinical outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach:
With its gentle, in-office design and long-term benefits, the Hummingbird® system provides a trusted, child-friendly solution for restoring comfort and healthy ear function.
A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) offers clear, natural hearing by transmitting sound through bone conduction rather than the ear canal.
This direct pathway to the inner ear helps improve speech clarity, sound awareness, and directional perception, making conversations easier to follow—even in challenging listening environments.
The discreet, behind-the-ear design sits comfortably and blends in naturally, providing consistent hearing improvement without drawing attention to the device. Once the implant integrates with the bone, it creates a stable and permanent foundation for long-term use.
The implant itself is designed to last a lifetime, while the external sound processor can be upgraded every few years as technology advances. With proper care and routine follow-up, BAHA users can expect lasting hearing enhancement, better communication, and renewed confidence in social and professional settings. The team at SoCal ENT remains available for ongoing adjustments, upgrades, and support to ensure your device continues to perform at its best.
The whole process usually wraps up in under five minutes.
A topical anesthetic numbs the eardrum to ensure comfort.
Absolutely! Parents are welcome to be there for comfort and support.
Children can quickly return to their usual activities after the procedure.
Tubes usually remain for 6-12 months before naturally falling out.
