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 traditional ear tube surgery while reducing overall costs and delivering safe and effective outcomes for children.

Find a Location

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 traditional 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 traditional 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 68% less than traditional surgical approaches. The procedure is shifted from expensive facilities to a more cost-effective location, the office.

icon of person with anesthesia mask

No General Anesthesia

icon of paper document

No Pre- or Post-Op Restrictions

icon of clock

Ear Tubes in Minutes2

icon of dollar sign

Up to 68% 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 traditional ear tube surgery: The Hummingbird Tympanostomy Tube System (TTS).

Hummingbird In-Office Ear Tube Procedure

Hear From Hummingbird Parents

Our son recovered immediately and he was awesome for the rest of the day. The procedure was easy on my child and easy on me as a parent.

— Amanda, Mother of Barrett

We got Hummingbird ear tubes for my son and it was a no brainer to do the same when my daughter needed tubes. We would do it again for our third child.

— Chelsea, Mother of Tucker

No need for general anesthesia and arguably more important, no need to ask our toddler to fast before the procedure was completed! It was also much less expensive than traditional ear tubes.

— Devon, Father of Charlotte

Couldn’t have been more amazed at how quick this procedure was. This has been a true life saver.

— Leanne, Mother of Elaina

News & Resources

Access the latest news and resources to explore how the Hummingbird procedure is making a positive impact on pediatric patients and families.

CBS Colorado News: New ear tube procedure for children in Colorado can be done in just minutes

09/10/2024

Ear infections in children can be painful, and are very common. If a child gets too many in a short period, ear tubes are often the answer. Usually, the procedure is done in a hospital setting with anesthesia, but a new medical device is changing the game.

Read more

Backtable ENT Podcast

07/30/2024

Tune in to this Backtable ENT podcast for a conversation with Mayo Clinic pediatric otolaryngologist, Dr. Shelagh Cofer. Discussed are the benefits of pediatric in-office ear tube procedures and firsthand insights from Dr. Cofer's experience with the Hummingbird device.

Read more

Connect With Us

Office

8401 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 110
Golden Valley, MN 55426

Get In Touch With Us