Patient Resources

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Tubes for ear infections

Fluid buildup in the middle ear

Ear anatomy showing eardrum, middle ear, and eustachian tube, with detail of fluid buildup caused by blocked eustachian tube.

slide 1 of 4

slide 1 of 4, Fluid buildup in the middle ear,

A cold or some other upper respiratory infection can cause the eustachian tubes to swell, blocking the normal drainage from the middle ear. The fluid buildup can lower your or your child's ability to hear. And the warm, moist environment makes it easy for bacteria and viruses to grow, causing an ear infection.

Incision made in the eardrum

slide 2 of 4

slide 2 of 4, Incision made in the eardrum,

A small cut (incision) is made in the eardrum to allow fluid to drain.

Fluid drains through the incision

slide 3 of 4

slide 3 of 4, Fluid drains through the incision,

Fluid from the middle ear drains through the incision into the ear canal and is suctioned out by the doctor.

Ear tube placed

slide 4 of 4

slide 4 of 4, Ear tube placed,

The temporary tube is placed into the eardrum incision to prevent fluid from building up again.

Current as of: September 27, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.