Your Child’s Ear Tube Surgery Recovery: What to Expect

Ear tube placement is one of the most common procedures performed on children. As a parent, you might have concerns about what happens after the procedure — and for good reason! Being prepared is the easiest way to ensure successful ear tube surgery recovery.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect in the days, weeks and months following ear tube surgery — offering needed info and peace of mind every step of the way.

Quick Overview: Ear Tube Surgery Recovery

• 12 hours: Some children may still feel groggy from anesthesia after traditional placement. Hummingbird patients are alert right away.
• 24 hours: Most kids are back to their normal energy levels and daily routines. Mild ear drainage can occur but usually clears quickly.
• 1 week: Ears are healing and many children already show improvements in hearing and speech alongside positive behavioral changes.
• First 3 Months: The first follow-up visit to check tube placement and evaluate success will happen sometime within the first three months following the procedure.

With the minimally invasive Hummingbird procedure, children often resume regular activities immediately and recover more comfortably than with operating room (OR) based methods.

Post-Surgery Appointments and Timeline

Your child’s recovery journey begins with a series of post-surgery appointments, starting with the first follow-up that’s typically scheduled within 2-4 weeks of the procedure. During this visit, the doctor will examine the ear tubes to monitor healing and ensure they’re correctly placed.

Here’s what you can expect during ear tube surgery recovery:

• First 12-24 Hours: With OR-based ear tube placement, kids need to be observed by parents for 12-24 hours post-procedure due to the use of general anesthesia. With Hummingbird, kids can return to regular activities as soon as the procedure is complete, though some might need a day or two to adjust to any changes in their hearing or balance.
• First Few Days: Mild drainage or slight discomfort may occur, but this typically resolves quickly. Most children are back to their usual routines within a day or two.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Your child’s ENT will schedule the first follow-up within the first three months, followed by periodic visits over the next few months to monitor tube placement and hearing improvements.

At the first follow-up, your child may also undergo an evaluation to assess how behavior and hearing changes after ear tube placement. The timing of these appointments will depend on your ENT but you can expect to stay in direct contact with them both before and after the procedure to make sure things are progressing as intended.

How Long Does It Take for a Child to Recover from Ear Tube Surgery?

In most cases, children bounce back quickly from ear tube surgery! Many parents are surprised by how seamless the transition feels. Most kids are back to themselves within a day or two.

While each child is different, the minimally invasive nature of the Hummingbird procedure allows for a faster, more comfortable recovery compared to OR-based methods. Instead of any extended downtime, children can instead resume play, school and daily activities with very little disruption.

Monitoring for Complications

While ear tube surgery is generally safe, it’s essential to stay vigilant for potential complications:

• Signs of Infection: If you notice redness, swelling, drainage from the ear or persistent pain — contact your doctor.
• Ear Drainage: Some drainage after surgery is normal, but if it continues for more than a few days or looks unusual — consult your ENT.
• Ear Tube Displacement: It’s rare for tubes to fall out prematurely, but if this happens, contact your ENT for next steps.

What Are the Behavioral Changes After Ear Tubes?

Many parents notice positive behavioral changes in their children after ear tube surgery. These improvements often stem from relief of chronic ear discomfort and enhanced hearing. While every child is unique, here are common behavioral shifts we’ve observed post-procedure:

• Increased Happiness and Reduced Irritability: Children who previously experienced frequent ear infections may become noticeably happier and less irritable after surgery. Relief from persistent pain and pressure can lead to a more content demeanor. Parents often describe their child as being “a different kid” post-surgery.
• Enhanced Speech and Language Development: Improved hearing can accelerate speech development. Children may start babbling more and show increased interest in communication. This change is especially notable in toddlers who had delayed speech due to their hearing issues.
• Better Sleep Patterns: Chronic ear discomfort can disrupt sleep. Post-surgery, many children experience more restful nights, leading to better moods and behavior during the day.
• Improved Balance and Coordination: Fluid buildup in the middle ear can affect balance. After tube placement, children often show better coordination and become more confident in physical activities.

It’s important to note that while many children experience these positive changes, the degree and timing can vary. Some improvements may be immediate, while others develop over weeks. Regular follow-ups with your child’s ENT specialist can help monitor progress and address any potential concerns as they arise.

Longevity of the Ear Tubes

Most ear tubes remain in place for 6 to 18 months, depending on the type. Eventually, they will fall out on their own. This process is natural and the ear will usually heal without intervention. In rare cases, surgical removal may be required if a tube doesn’t fall out on its own.

What Should I Do if My Child’s Ear Tubes Fall Out Early?

If a tube falls out earlier than expected, don’t panic. All you need to do is contact your child’s ENT to determine if another set of tubes might be necessary. Often your child won’t need them. In cases where infections return, that might change — but your ENT will be able to work with you throughout the process.

Water Precautions and Ear Care

After ear tube surgery, your child’s ears will need some extra care, particularly when it comes to water:

• Cleaning Tips: Keep the ears as dry and clean as possible. Your child’s ENT will provide specific advice on necessary precautions and how to do this safely.
• Doctor’s Recommendations: Always follow your doctor’s guidance about water exposure. For more detailed information, check out our post on swimming with ear tubes.

Will My Child Need to Avoid Swimming or Water Activities After Surgery?

Swimming with ear tubes is generally safe, and children can enjoy water activities with minimal precautions. While it was once common to recommend the use of earplugs or special headbands, recent studies show that these measures aren’t always necessary.

For most children, normal swimming and water play don’t increase the risk of infection. If you’d like to be extra cautious, however, consider ear protection in the water if your child meets any of the following criteria:

• Older children who may be more active in the water, especially when submerging the head
• Children who experience pain or discomfort when water enters the ear canal
• Children that swim in lakes or non-chlorinated pools that may have high bacteria concentrations

For more information about swimming with ear tubes, check out our blog: Swimming with Ear Tubes — A Helpful Guide for Parents.

Medication Management

After surgery, your child may be prescribed antibiotic ear drops to prevent infection. These drops are easy to use and highly effective. In some cases, depending on the child’s needs and doctor’s preference, oral antibiotics may also be recommended. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help manage discomfort — however, it’s recommended to always consult your provider before giving any medication.

Activity Restrictions and Guidelines

Children can immediately return to normal activities after the Hummingbird procedure. While recovery is swift, allowing your child to rest for a day post-surgery can help ensure a smoother transition back to normal activities, helping them feel their best quickly.

Long-Term Care and Monitoring

Maintaining regular ENT visits is essential, even if everything seems fine. These check-ups will monitor your child’s ear health — including hearing, speech development and any behavior changes after ear tubes — as the tubes do their job. Although ear infections should be less frequent after surgery, stay alert to any recurring signs — pain, trouble hearing and ear leakage are all worth noting to your ENT during recovery as they can be a sign of problems with the ear tubes.

Individualized Care and Education

Every child’s journey is unique, and your ENT will tailor follow-up care to your child’s needs. Don’t hesitate to ask for resources, whether it’s educational materials from your ENT or support from online communities.

Best practices for aftercare during ear tube surgery recovery:

• Attend all scheduled ENT follow-up visits to ensure tubes are positioned correctly and hearing is improving
• Watch for unusual drainage, persistent pain or fever — contacting your doctor if any occur
• Keep ears clean and dry as advised by your ENT, especially after swimming or bathing
• Use any prescribed ear drops exactly as directed to prevent infection
• Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your child’s ears

DID YOU KNOW? We have a Resource section dedicated to providing parents with the latest updates, information and guidance regarding ear tube placement.

Next steps

Ear tube surgery is a highly effective solution for children with chronic ear infections. By staying informed and closely following your doctor’s advice, you can ensure your child has a smooth, comfortable recovery.

With advancements like the Hummingbird ear tube procedure, parents can feel confident knowing they’ve chosen an option designed to minimize postoperative concerns and provide the best possible outcome for their child.

If you’re interested in taking the next step, we can help find a provider near you.