Hummingbird ear tubes offer a quick, incision-free solution for treating chronic ear infections in children, with in-office placement and no need for general anesthesia.

















It can starts with a restless night. Your child wakes up crying, tugging at their ear, and running a fever. Another ear infection. These common infections can disrupt sleep, appetite, hearing, and overall well-being. While some kids experience them occasionally, others face frequent episodes that lead to repeated doctor visits and ongoing antibiotic use.
Ear tubes are a trusted solution for reducing chronic ear infections and restoring your child’s comfort and hearing. Traditionally, ear tubes required hospital-based surgery and general anesthesia. But at Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy, we offer the Hummingbird® Procedure, an FDA-approved, in-office alternative that eliminates the need for general anesthesia or a surgical center. It’s quicker, gentler, and your child can return to normal activities the same day.
If your child is struggling with recurring ear infections or fluid buildup, our board-certified ENT specialists are here to offer expert, compassionate care using the latest minimally invasive treatments.





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 Hummingbird® ear tube system offers a gentle, child-friendly solution designed for comfort and long-term use. Its lightweight structure provides a secure fit without putting pressure on delicate areas of the ear. With modern wireless connectivity, children can easily pair their hearing devices with smartphones, tablets, and other tech—helping them stay engaged and connected in their daily lives.
How It Works:
To ensure comfort, a mild topical anesthetic is applied directly to the eardrum by the ENT specialist.
Using the advanced Hummingbird device, the doctor carefully places the ear tube in just seconds per ear with pinpoint precision.
The entire treatment is completed in under five minutes, and your child can immediately get back to school, play, or other normal activities.
Ear tube placement may be the recommended treatment for children with:
Chronic, recurring ear infections can lead to hearing issues, speech delays, and ongoing discomfort.
When fluid builds up behind the eardrum, it can lead to muffled hearing and frequent infections.
Ear tubes help restore normal airflow when the ear's natural drainage system isn’t functioning properly,
Hummingbird ear tubes enhance airflow within the middle ear, helping to ward off infections, lessen discomfort, and improve hearing clarity.
The Hummingbird® procedure offers multiple benefits compared to traditional ear tube surgery, such as:
Avoids the risks of sedation and eliminates pre-procedure fasting requirements.
Performed right in the clinic. No hospital visit, surgical suite, or recovery bay needed.
Takes only minutes to complete, and parents may remain present to provide comfort and reassurance.
Most children feel fine immediately and can return to regular play and activities right after the procedure.
With a gentle treatment process and excellent results, Hummingbird ear tubes are thoughtfully designed to bring your child relief from chronic ear infections without the stress of a hospital stay.

The Hummingbird procedure is especially well-suited for families looking to avoid general anesthesia and hospital-based surgery. This minimally invasive, in-office treatment is completed in minutes and allows for same-day recovery, making it a low-stress, high-benefit option for both children and parents.
If ear tubes have been recommended for your child, the team at SoCal ENT will evaluate their needs and determine whether the Hummingbird approach is the most appropriate solution.
The Hummingbird procedure is especially well-suited for families looking to avoid general anesthesia and hospital-based surgery. This minimally invasive, in-office treatment is completed in minutes and allows for same-day recovery, making it a low-stress, high-benefit option for both children and parents.
If ear tubes have been recommended for your child, the team at SoCal ENT will evaluate their needs and determine whether the Hummingbird approach is the most appropriate solution.
One of the biggest benefits of the Hummingbird® procedure is its remarkably quick recovery time.
Because it doesn’t require general anesthesia, children are able to return to their normal routines the very same day.
While some children may experience mild ear discomfort following the procedure, it typically fades quickly. Parents will be given simple aftercare instructions, such as keeping the ears dry, watching for any drainage or signs of irritation, and returning for a follow-up visit to ensure proper healing.
With no hospital stay, minimal downtime, and a stress-free experience, the Hummingbird procedure provides a smoother path to relief for both children and their families.

The Hummingbird procedure delivers fast, effective relief by restoring proper ear ventilation and drainage, key to preventing infections and improving hearing. Most children experience noticeable improvements right away, including clearer hearing and fewer recurring infections.
The clinical results speak for themselves:
Thanks to its quick, in-office approach and long-lasting results, Hummingbird ear tubes have become a trusted, parent-approved solution for managing chronic ear infections in children, without the stress of hospital-based surgery.

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 quickly return to their daily activities following the procedure. It is designed to be minimally disruptive, allowing them to engage in school, play, and other routines without significant downtime.
Ear tubes typically stay in place for 6-12 months and fall out on their own.