| 1. |
Some slight ear pain may be expected for up to a day or more after surgery. This should be relieved by Tylenol or Tylenol substitute (Tempra, etc.). If severe pain is not relieved by medicines, call the doctor. |
| 2. |
After the fluid is removed at surgery, the tubes are primarily to allow air to enter the ear cavity. If drainage occurs from the ears after 48 hours from the time eardrops are discontinued, notify the doctor. |
| 3. |
Swimming in chlorinated pools does not require special ear protection; however, we advise: no diving, no swallowing underwater, and do not go more than a few feet under the surface. Swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea will require the use of custom ear plugs (made by our Audiology staff by appointment). If there is recurrent pain or drainage after water activities, the patient is somewhat unique, and extra precautions may be needed.
Ear drainage (even that accompanied by mild cold symptoms) is not anything to panic about. Use the eardrops as instructed by your doctor and call us if the patient fails to respond or if the discharge recurs frequently.
Remember, a deep orange-brown material (ear wax) will occasionally appear in the ear canal and is not worrisome.
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| 4. |
Tubes are generally allowed to remain in place until they have extruded by the healing of the eardrum beneath them -- this is usually a matter of 6 to 12 months. In adults with an acute episode of ear blockage, the tubes might be removed in a few weeks, after the underlying problem has cleared. Removal of the tubes is a single procedure, done in the office and usually causes little discomfort. Following removal of the tubes, the ears will be checked in 2-4 weeks, and if complete healing of the eardrum has occurred, water in the ears will be allowed. Children may require general anesthesia for tube removal. |
| 5. |
An antibiotic, if given at the time of the tube insertion, should be taken until gone. |
| 6. |
If ear drops are given to you at the time of surgery, use 4 drops in each operated ear 4 times a day for 4 days, unless otherwise instructed. |
| 7. |
Call the doctor's office as soon as practical for an appointment for your postoperative visit. Arrange the appointment for about 4 weeks from surgery. |
| 8. |
If the patient's temperature exceeds 102 degrees and does not respond to Tylenol, call the doctor! |
| 9. |
Do not use Silly Putty for ear plugs. |
