Myringotomy and Grommets – Information for parents

Myringotomy and Grommets – Information for parents

What is a myringotomy?
A myringotomy is a small cut which is made in the eardrum. Tiny tubes called grommets
are then inserted into these cuts. The main function of a grommet is to act as a
ventilation tube – the grommet lets air pass from the ear tube through the eardrum and
into the middle ear. Any fluid in the middle ear will now just dry up. Your child should be
able to return to normal activity after 24-48 hours.

To help your child’s recovery, please follow this advice:
Avoid getting water into your child’s ear for at least two weeks. When taking a bath or
shower or when washing your child’s hair, you can protect your child’s ears by placing
a piece of cotton wool covered with Vaseline in the opening of the ear canal.

Providing there is no discharge from the ear, and a doctor says it is okay, your child may
go swimming after two weeks.

Occasionally, your child may get a sensation of popping, clicking or fullness in the ear.
This is normal and not harmful and will disappear quickly. Any discomfort or soreness
should subside over the next few days. The nurses will explain how and when any pain
relief medication should be taken.

The grommet(s) usually fall out after six to twenty-four months, although they are so
small, you may not notice. This will not hurt.

Things to look out for
Your child may have a very slight ear discharge in the first 24 hours following grommet
insertion. If your child continues to have discharge after this time or if it is accompanied
by bleeding from their ear or severe pain you may need to seek medical advice as drops
are sometimes necessary. Occasionally, your child may need antibiotics.

Your child will have open access for 24 hours post-surgery for any advice needed.
The number for Riverbank Ward is 01905 760588. The ward may put you in touch with
the on-call doctor for further advice if required.

Follow-up
A follow-up appointment will be given to you, or may be sent to you in the post, to attend
ENT Outpatient Department or the Audiology Department. It is important that you keep
this appointment to have your child’s ear checked.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything,
please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you
and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a
member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to
answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well
and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your
experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are
available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We
value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with
us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the
nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed
to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is
unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal
help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf,
if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to
outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate
your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can
advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PET@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and
Friday: 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that a voicemail service is in use at busy
times, but messages will be returned as quickly as possible.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

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