Recovering after grommets

Overview

Recovering after grommets means taking care of your child (or yourself) after small tubes called grommets are placed in the eardrums. Grommets help drain fluid and prevent ear infections. Recovery is usually quick and simple, with most children back to normal within a day or two.

Yes, grommet surgery is one of the most common operations in children. In the UK, about 30,000 children have grommets fitted each year.

Grommets are most often used for children aged 1–6 who have persistent glue ear (fluid behind the eardrum) or frequent ear infections. Adults can have them too, but it's less common.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Mild earache or discomfort for a day or two after surgery
• Some clear or slightly bloody fluid draining from the ear – this is normal and usually stops within a few days
• A popping or clicking sensation in the ears
• Hearing may seem a little different at first, but improves as fluid drains

Symptoms in children

• Your child may be fussy or tired after the anaesthetic, but usually bounces back quickly
• They might tug at their ears – this is common and not usually a sign of pain
• Some children have a temporary change in taste (unusual but harmless)

Symptoms in older adults

• Adults may have mild dizziness or a feeling of fullness in the ear
• Discharge from the ear can occur for a few days
• Hearing improvement is often noticed soon after surgery

Causes

Main causes

• Glue ear – fluid builds up behind the eardrum and causes hearing loss
• Repeated ear infections that don't clear with antibiotics alone
• A blocked Eustachian tube (the small passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat)

Risk factors

• Young age – children's Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal
• Attending daycare or nursery where infections spread easily
• Exposure to tobacco smoke (passive smoking)
• A family history of ear problems
• Bottle-feeding (breastfeeding may be slightly protective)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has a fever and seems very unwell
• If there is thick, yellow or green discharge with a bad smell
• If the ear looks red, swollen, or painful to touch

Book a routine appointment if:

• If discharge continues for more than a week after surgery
• If you are worried about your child's hearing not improving
• To schedule follow-up appointments as recommended by the surgeon

Diagnosis

The need for grommets is diagnosed by a doctor – usually an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist – after examining the ears and reviewing hearing tests.

Tests that may be done

• An otoscope or microscope to look inside the ear
• Hearing tests (audiometry) to check for hearing loss
• Tympanometry – a quick test that measures how well the eardrum moves

What to expect at your appointment

If your child has glue ear or frequent infections that don't get better, the doctor may recommend grommets. The operation is done under general anaesthetic and usually takes less than 30 minutes. Most children go home the same day.

Treatment

After grommet surgery, treatment focuses on keeping the ears dry, managing discomfort, and watching for signs of infection. The grommets themselves are the treatment – they keep the middle ear ventilated and allow fluid to drain.

Self-care at home

• Use earplugs or a cotton ball with petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) when bathing or swimming, as directed by your doctor
• Give over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed, following the dose for your child's age and weight – check with your doctor or pharmacist
• Avoid blowing your nose too hard for a week after surgery
• Keep water out of the ears – you can use a shower cap or special ear covers
• Let the ears heal naturally – do not put anything in them (no cotton buds or drops unless prescribed)

Medical treatments

If there is discharge or infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic ear drops to use for a few days. They may also ask you to return for a check-up. Oral antibiotics are rarely needed. The grommets will eventually fall out on their own.

Living with this condition

Life with grommets is generally normal. Once the ears have healed (after a few weeks), you can usually return to all activities. Hearing often improves quickly, which can make a big difference in school and daily life.

Lifestyle tips

• Use earplugs for swimming – your doctor may advise against diving or deep underwater activity
• Avoid getting soap or shampoo in the ears during baths or showers
• If you notice discharge, clean the outer ear gently with a clean cloth – do not push anything inside
• Attend follow-up appointments to check the grommets are in place and the ears are healthy

Diet and exercise

No special diet is needed. Your child can eat and drink normally as soon as the anaesthetic wears off. Exercise is fine, but avoid contact sports for the first week to prevent any bumps to the ear.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

For children, ongoing ear infections and hearing loss can affect speech, confidence, and school performance – grommets often help these issues. Recovery itself is short and most children feel much better quickly. If your child seems upset or anxious, talk to your doctor or health visitor.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent glue ear or ear infections, but you can reduce the risk. Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke, limit the use of dummies (pacifiers) after age 1, and encourage handwashing to reduce infection spread.

Vaccines

Ensure your child is up to date with routine vaccinations, including the pneumococcal vaccine and the flu vaccine (if offered). These can help prevent some ear infections.

Complications

If left untreated

• Persistent fluid can cause long-term hearing loss and speech delay in children
• Repeated infections can damage the eardrum or middle ear bones
• Very rarely, infection can spread to the bone behind the ear (mastoiditis)

Long-term outlook

The outlook after grommet surgery is excellent. Most children's hearing returns to normal, and infections become much less frequent. Grommets fall out on their own as the eardrum heals, often without any problems. If they do not fall out after a year or two, your doctor can remove them easily. With good follow-up, most people have no lasting issues.

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