At SoCal ENT in Palmdale, we provide gentle, effective ear tube treatments to help children with frequent ear infections or fluid buildup. Our experienced pediatric ENT specialists ensure each procedure is safe, comfortable, and designed to restore clear hearing and healthy ear function. Discover compassionate care focused on lasting relief and peace of mind for your family.
Frequent ear infections or persistent fluid in the middle ear can lead to discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and even delayed speech development—especially in young children. If your child has had several infections within a few months or ongoing fluid buildup, ear tube surgery may provide lasting relief and help protect their hearing.
At the Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT), our board-certified specialists perform precise, minimally invasive ear tube procedures for both children and adults. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, addressing chronic infections, middle ear fluid, hearing concerns, and related sinus conditions. If recurring ear problems are affecting your family’s quality of life, our Palm Springs team can help determine whether ear tube placement is the best next step.
Ear tubes, also known as tympanostomy tubes, are tiny hollow cylinders placed in the eardrum to allow air to flow and fluid to drain from the middle ear. The procedure is often recommended for children who experience frequent ear infections or ongoing fluid buildup, which can affect hearing and speech development.
While ear tube placement is most common in children, adults with chronic ear infections or eustachian tube dysfunction may also benefit. By helping equalize pressure and prevent fluid retention, ear tubes support healthier ear function and reduce the risk of future infections.
At the Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy (SoCal ENT), we offer the Hummingbird® system—a fast, gentle, and minimally invasive method for placing ear tubes.
The FDA-approved technology allows the entire procedure to be completed during a single office visit—without general anesthesia, preoperative fasting, or lengthy recovery time. Designed especially for infants and toddlers who experience frequent ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear, the Hummingbird procedure takes only a few minutes. Parents are encouraged to remain with their child for comfort and reassurance throughout the process.
With a 98% success rate and quicker recovery than traditional surgery, the Hummingbird system provides a safer, more convenient solution for managing chronic ear infections—helping children breathe easier, hear better, and thrive.
Ear tube insertion is a brief, minimally invasive outpatient procedure that helps relieve chronic ear infections and fluid buildup in the middle ear.
During the procedure, your ENT specialist makes a tiny opening in the eardrum (a myringotomy) to drain any trapped fluid and relieve pressure. Small, hollow tubes are then carefully placed to allow air to circulate and prevent future fluid accumulation. The entire process typically takes 10–15 minutes, and most children go home the same day—often with immediate improvement in hearing and comfort.
Ear tubes are often recommended to treat or prevent several conditions that affect the middle ear and hearing, including:
An ENT specialist may recommend ear tube placement if your child:
If your child continues to experience ear pain, recurrent infections, or signs of hearing difficulty, the board-certified ENT surgeons at SoCal ENT can assess whether ear tube surgery is a safe and effective solution for lasting relief.
Ear tube placement is an outpatient procedure, and most patients can return home shortly after surgery. It’s normal to notice light ear drainage for the first few days, which may be treated with antibiotic ear drops if recommended by your ENT specialist.
Most children are back to school and normal activities within 24 hours, and adults often return to work the next day. Depending on your provider’s advice, earplugs may be recommended during swimming or bathing to keep the ears protected.
Follow-up visits help ensure the tubes are functioning properly and that healing and hearing improvements continue as expected. Because the tubes are designed to fall out naturally over time, additional surgery is rarely needed.
Ear tube placement provides quick and lasting relief from chronic ear infections, fluid buildup, and hearing difficulties. After the procedure, most children experience:
The tubes generally remain in place for six to twelve months before naturally falling out as the eardrum heals. If they come out sooner or symptoms return, your child’s ENT specialist may recommend a second procedure to maintain proper ear health and prevent future infections.
The procedure typically uses general anesthesia to keep the child calm and still, even for this quick outpatient process. Hummingbird ear tubes, however, offer a less invasive option that skips general anesthesiaThe procedure is a quick outpatient process, often using general anesthesia to keep the child still and comfortable. However, hummingbird ear tubes offer a less invasive option that doesn't need general anesthesia.
Small tubes usually remain in place for 6 to 12 months before they naturally fall out.
If the tubes come out too soon, your ENT specialist will check if they need to be put back in.
Kids can typically resume activities like swimming. However, they may need ear plugs to prevent water from entering the middle ear. Your ENT provider will guide you on proper aftercare.
Ear tubes can greatly reduce the risk of future ear infections, though occasional ones might still occur. In such cases, antibiotic ear drops may help.
Insurance often covers ear tube insertion if it's medically necessary. Our team is ready to help check your benefits.
