Grommets
Key facts
- Grommets are tiny tubes that are put inside the eardrum to stop fluid building up in your ear.
- They are needed if you have a lot of middle ear infections.
- You will need to go to a hospital to have grommets put in.
- Grommets usually fall out by themselves after 6 to 12 months.
What are grommets?
Grommets are tiny tubes that are put inside your eardrums. This is done by a doctor.
Grommets can be made of plastic or metal. They help air to get into your middle ear. They also help thick fluid to drain away from the ear. The fluid goes down the back of the nose and throat. They don't hurt.
Grommets are sometimes also called tympanostomy tubes or ventilation tubes.
When are grommets used?
Grommets may be needed if you have had a lot of middle ear infections or to treat glue ear. This might have caused you to have some hearing loss.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
What is glue ear?
Glue ear is when the liquid inside your middle ear becomes thick. This can happen when you have a lot of ear infections.
Glue ear can affect your hearing, speech and learning.
If you think you or your child might have glue ear, see your doctor.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
How are grommets put in the ear?
An operation is needed to put the grommets inside your ear. This operation is called ‘myringotomy'.
It's done in hospital under general anaesthetic. You won't feel anything. You should be able to go home the same day.
What should I expect after surgery?
Your hearing should be back to normal once the grommets are put in your ears.
There may be a small amount of oozing or bleeding. This can last a day or 2 after surgery. This is normal.
Some people have mild pain after the surgery. Medicine such as paracetamol can help the pain. Follow the instructions on the package.
A hearing test soon after the surgery will show if your hearing has got better. If your hearing is not back to normal, you may need further tests.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How do I look after my child's grommets?
It's important to keep the ears clean. Dirty water in the ears can cause ear infections.
Try to protect your child's ears from water while they have grommets.
Your child should:
- not go swimming for one week after the surgery
- use earplugs, swimming caps or ear wraps in the bath or shower
- use ear plugs or a cap when swimming
- have a hearing test soon after the operation to check if their hearing has improved
Can grommets fall out?
Grommets usually fall out by themselves after 6 to 12 months. The time depends on the size, shape and material of the grommet. Regular ear checks can show when the grommets have fallen out.
The hole in the eardrum will usually heal quickly after the grommet falls out. In some children the fluid in the ear may come back. This can cause glue ear to happen again. Another operation to put in new grommets may be needed.
When should I see my doctor?
Contact your doctor after having grommets put in if there is:
- a lot of pain
- oozing or bleeding for more than 5 days
There could be an ear infection or a small tear in the eardrum.
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Resources and Support
You should talk to your health professional about the benefits and risks of getting a medical implant. Use the Therapeutic Goods Administration's guide on what to ask. The information is in English and other languages.
If you want to know more about grommets, you can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: August 2024
