Ear Tubes
Our experienced ENT specialists offer personalized care and state-of-the-art treatments to improve ear health, hearing, and overall well-being.
Our experienced ENT specialists offer personalized care and state-of-the-art treatments to improve ear health, hearing, and overall well-being.
Recurring ear infections and fluid buildup in the middle ear can cause significant discomfort, hearing loss, and delays in speech development, particularly in young children. If your child has experienced three or more ear infections in six months or ongoing fluid in the middle ear, ear tube placement may offer lasting relief and help prevent further issues.
At Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT) in Palm Springs, our board-certified ENT experts specialize in advanced, minimally invasive ear tube surgery for both children and adults. We provide customized treatment plans to address chronic infections, middle ear fluid, hearing concerns, and even related sinus conditions. If you or your child is struggling with repeated infections or fluid retention, contact our Palm Springs office to learn if ear tube insertion is the right solution.
Tympanostomy tubes, often referred to as ear tubes, are small, hollow cylinders inserted into the eardrum to improve airflow and promote drainage from the middle ear. This procedure is frequently recommended for children who suffer from repeated ear infections or persistent fluid buildup, both of which can interfere with hearing and speech development.
While most commonly performed in pediatric patients, adults experiencing chronic ear infections or eustachian tube dysfunction may also benefit. By helping to balance air pressure and prevent fluid accumulation, ear tubes reduce the risk of recurring infections and improve overall ear health.
At Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy (SoCal ENT), we proudly offer the Hummingbird® system—a quick, gentle, and minimally invasive approach to ear tube placement.
This FDA-approved device streamlines the process into a single in-office visit, eliminating the need for general anesthesia, pre-op fasting, or extended recovery. Specifically designed for infants and toddlers with recurrent ear infections or ongoing fluid in the middle ear, the Hummingbird procedure is completed in just minutes, with parents welcome to stay and comfort their child throughout the treatment.
With a success rate of 98% and faster recovery compared to traditional methods, the Hummingbird device offers a safer, simpler way to manage chronic otitis media in young children, giving families peace of mind and children the relief they need.
Ear tube insertion is a quick, minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to ease chronic ear infections and persistent fluid in the middle ear.
During the treatment, a skilled ENT specialist creates a tiny opening in the eardrum (a myringotomy) to gently remove trapped fluid, relieving pressure and improving hearing. Small, hollow tubes are then placed to ventilate the middle ear and reduce the risk of future infections. The procedure typically takes just 10–15 minutes. After a brief recovery period, children return home the same day, often with noticeable improvements in hearing and comfort.
Ear tubes are used to treat and prevent:
Your child’s ENT specialist may suggest ear tubes when:
If your child is dealing with persistent ear pain, recurrent infections, or signs of hearing loss, our expert ear, nose, and throat surgeons at SoCal ENT will evaluate whether ear tube placement is a safe and effective option.
Ear tube placement is an outpatient procedure, with the patient typically able to go home shortly after surgery. It's common to notice light ear drainage in the first few days following the procedure, which may be treated with antibiotic ear drops if recommended by your ENT specialist.
Most children return to school and regular activities within 24 hours, and adults can usually resume work the next day. Depending on your provider's guidance, ear plugs may be needed during swimming or water exposure to protect the ears.
Ongoing follow-up care ensures that the tubes are working properly and that healing and hearing improvements are progressing as expected. Since the tubes are designed to fall out on their own over time, further surgery is rarely necessary.
Ear tube placement offers rapid and lasting relief from persistent ear infections, fluid retention, and related hearing issues. Following the procedure, most children experience:
The tubes typically stay in place for 6 to 12 months and naturally fall out as the eardrum heals. If they dislodge prematurely or symptoms return, your child’s ENT specialist may recommend a second procedure to reinsert the tubes for continued protection.
Yes. The procedure usually involves using general anesthesia to ensure the child remains still and comfortable, even though it's a quick outpatient process. Hummingbird ear tubes offer a less invasive alternative that doesn't require general anesthesia.
Typically, most small tubes stay in position for 6 to 12 months before they naturally come out.
Should the tubes dislodge prematurely, a subsequent appointment with your ENT specialist will assess whether reinsertion is necessary.
Generally, children can return to their usual activities, like swimming. However, a they might require ear plugs to keep water from reaching the middle ear. Your ENT provider will advise you on aftercare.
Ear tubes significantly lower the chance of future ear infections, although some may still happen. If necessary, antibiotic ear drops can be beneficial.
Many insurance plans provide coverage for ear tube insertion when it's deemed medically necessary. Our staff is here to assist you in verifying your benefits.
