Ear Tube Placement without General Anesthesia
The Hummingbird Tympanostomy Tube System (TTS) is a breakthrough technology that enables ENT surgeons to perform pediatric ear tube placement in the comfort of the office without general anesthesia.
The FDA-cleared Hummingbird eliminates many challenging aspects associated with operating room (OR)-based ear tube surgery while reducing overall costs and delivering safe and effective outcomes for children.
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Ear Tube Placement without General Anesthesia
The Hummingbird Tympanostomy Tube System (TTS) is a breakthrough technology that enables ENT surgeons to perform pediatric ear tube placement in the comfort of the office without general anesthesia.
The FDA-cleared Hummingbird eliminates many challenging aspects associated with operating room (OR)-based ear tube surgery while reducing overall costs and delivering safe and effective outcomes for children.
For Parents
We’ve developed tools and resources to make it easy for you to explore the Hummingbird ear tube procedure.
For Physicians
Learn how the Hummingbird is delivering an innovative and safe approach for pediatric ear tube placement.
Safe. Simple. Less Expensive.
Traditionally, the only means to place ear tubes for children was in the operating room. This approach presents many obstacles for families, including concerns over general anesthesia, stress associated with surgery and costs that are often significant.
The Hummingbird procedure1 provides an alternative to surgical ear tube placement and helps solve many of these challenges.
Safe
Performed safely on thousands of children, this alternative to OR-based ear tube surgery removes general anesthesia for the most common pediatric procedure in the U.S. Families may be present during the process, reducing stress for both the child and parents.
Simple
The Hummingbird procedure, which is completed in minutes, eliminates the need for fasting, pre-operative testing and post-operative care. Children may immediately return to normal activities following treatment.
Less Expensive
The overall costs of the Hummingbird procedure are up to 65% less than OR-based surgical approaches. The procedure is shifted from expensive facilities to a more cost-effective location, the office.
No General Anesthesia
No Pre- or Post-Op Restrictions
Ear Tubes in Minutes2
Up to 65% Cost Savings3
Nearly 1 Million Children will have Ear Tubes Placed Annually
Childhood ear infections are the most common reason families visit the pediatrician’s office. Ear tube surgery is often recommended for children with reoccurring ear infections as this procedure creates proper airflow to the middle ear and reduces fluid buildup. It also decreases the likelihood of future ear infections.
In the United States, close to 1 million pediatric patients will undergo ear tube surgery each year with 30% requiring more than one set of ear tubes. This approach involves general anesthesia and post-recovery care and monitoring. Parents also face the challenge of managing stress associated with surgery for their child and costs that are often significant.
Now, there is a safe, simple and less expensive alternative to OR-based ear tube surgery: The Hummingbird Tympanostomy Tube System (TTS).
News & Resources
Access the latest news and resources to explore how the Hummingbird procedure is making a positive impact on pediatric patients and families.
What Makes In-Office Ear Tube Placement Procedures Preferred Over an Operating Room
03/27/2025
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