Grommets, also known as ventilation tubes or tympanostomy tubes, are tiny plastic tubes inserted into the eardrum to help drain fluid and improve air flow in the middle ear. They are commonly used in children who experience frequent ear infections or have ongoing fluid in the middle ear (glue ear) that affects hearing or speech development.
Grommet insertion is a safe and quick surgical procedure that helps restore hearing, prevent ear infections, and support normal speech and language development.
The middle ear, located behind the eardrum, should normally be filled with air. However, in some children—especially after repeated ear infections or due to Eustachian tube dysfunction—fluid can build up in the middle ear. Children have smaller and more horizontal Eustachian tubes than adults and are more prone to developing fluid behind the ear drum in the middle ear. This condition is often called glue ear.
Your child may need grommets if they experience:
Grommet insertion is a very common and safe procedure. In Australia, around 6 out of every 1,000 children have this surgery each year. As with any operation, there are some possible risks, including
Dr Phillips will discuss these risks and answer any questions you may have before the procedure.
Dr Phillips can advise on the best option based on your child’s individual needs.
If your child is having a general anaesthetic, they must not eat or drink for 6 hours before the operation. You will receive specific instructions from the hospital or anaesthetist.
Let the clinic know about any medications your child is taking, especially blood thinners or allergy treatments.
If your child has a cold, fever, or other illness near the surgery date, please notify the clinic, as the procedure may need to be rescheduled.
Grommets are very small tubes (about the size of a match head) inserted into a tiny hole made in the eardrum. They allow air to enter the middle ear and help fluid drain out through the ear canal.
The procedure is usually performed under a short general anaesthetic and takes around 10–15 minutes. No cuts are made on the outside of the ear, and the grommets are placed through the ear canal.
Grommets usually stay in place for 6 to 12 months, after which they fall out on their own as the eardrum heals.
Most children recover very quickly after grommet surgery.
This is usually a day procedure. Your child can usually go home a few hours after surgery.
Most children experience little or no pain. If needed, give paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed.
You may notice better hearing almost immediately, though some children take a few days to adjust.
Ciprofloxacin-containing ear drops are the only drops that can be safely used in people with grommets. Dr Phillips will normally send you home with a bottle or prescription for these drops postoperatively to use as directed.
Clear or slightly bloody fluid may come from the ear in the first several days. This is normal. If thick or smelly discharge appears, contact the clinic. as antibiotic drops may be needed.
Contact our clinic or your GP if your child:
Dr Phillips will usually review your child about 4–6 weeks after the procedure, and again periodically to monitor grommet function and hearing. A hearing test is required before your first post-operative review.
Yes. Most grommets fall out naturally after 6 to 12 months and the eardrum heals on its own.
Yes, but they are often milder and easier to treat with ear drops instead of oral antibiotics.
In most cases, yes—hearing improves quickly once the fluid is drained. In some cases, speech and hearing may take longer to catch up, especially if glue ear has been present for a long time.
If you’d like to discuss this procedure or explore suitable treatment options, please get in touch with Dr Nicholas Phillips’ clinic.
To book with Dr Phillips, you’ll need a referral from your GP or specialist. Questions? Call our team — we’re happy to help.
