Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We understand the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to the care of your child. We’ve developed the following FAQs to help you make the best choice for ear tube placement for your family.
Select a topic to view questions and answers.
- Safety and Effectiveness
- Pre-and Post-Procedure Requirements
- During the Procedure
- Cost and Eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We understand the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to the care of your child. We’ve developed the following FAQs to help you make the best choice for ear tube placement for your family.
Select a topic to view questions and answers.
Safety and Effectiveness
The Hummingbird has been extensively studied in clinical trials.1 The device is FDA-cleared and provides a safe treatment option for your child by eliminating the potential risks associated with general anesthesia. Thousands of children across the U.S. have been successfully treated using the Hummingbird.
Parents elect the Hummingbird procedure over traditional ear tube surgery for various reasons. However, most commonly, we understand that families choose the Hummingbird as it eliminates many challenging aspects associated with surgery, including general anesthesia, while delivering safe and effective outcomes for children.
The Hummingbird may also reduce overall costs by eliminating the need for:
- Pre-Operative Testing
- General Anesthesia
- Post-Recovery Care at the Hospital
- Additional Costs for the Operating Room and Facility Fees
Each patient will respond uniquely. However, in clinical trials, 100% of children acceptably tolerated the procedure.1
Any discomfort experienced is similar to other routine in-office pediatric procedures.
On average, Hummingbird ear tubes stay in place for 11 months before falling out on their own.1
This ear tube duration is consistent with averages associated with traditional ear tube surgery. It is important to note that some ear tubes fall out early and 30% of children require a second set of ear tubes. This is true for both the Hummingbird procedure and traditional ear tube surgery. Please speak with your ENT if you have additional questions regarding ear tube duration.
Pre-and Post-Procedure Requirements
Pre-operative testing is not required for children undergoing the Hummingbird procedure. This step is eliminated, as no general anesthesia is utilized during the procedure. Elimination of general anesthesia may also help decrease overall costs for ear tube placement.
Fasting is typically required for procedures involving general anesthesia and the operating room. The Hummingbird device is unique as it only requires a topical numbing agent on the ear drum and is performed in-office. This allows your child to eat up until the time of the procedure.
Your child may return to normal activities following the Hummingbird procedure, including eating. Any special precautions or exceptions will be discussed between you and your ENT provider.
In clinical studies, 98% of Hummingbird pediatric patients successfully received ear tubes in the office.1
Very rarely, circumstances may require your ENT to stop the procedure and reschedule it for the operating room. If this happens, your ENT will discuss options for the procedure with you.
During the Procedure
Just before the Hummingbird procedure, your child will be swaddled to limit movement and allow the ENT to safely perform the procedure. Care staff will gently cradle your child’s head during wax removal and ear tube placement.
The Hummingbird procedure is performed in an office environment, allowing parents or caretakers to be part of the procedure. The presence of a familiar face will help calm your child and serve as a soothing factor in their overall response to Hummingbird ear tube placement.
The Hummingbird procedure is highly efficient and ear tube placement is completed in a matter of minutes.2
Cost and Eligibility
The final cost of the procedure will vary depending on individual insurance coverage, deductibles and co-payment amounts. It is important to work with your local Hummingbird provider to receive an estimate and to accurately understand final costs. However, the Hummingbird procedure has been shown to save families up to 68% when compared to traditional ear tube surgery.3
We have created a resource for additional questions related to cost. Please click here.
The Hummingbird is FDA-cleared and is indicated for use in children 6 months and older. We recommend working with your local Hummingbird provider to determine if the procedure is appropriate for your child.
