Surgery·Surgery
Preparing for grommets
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Grommets are tiny tubes that a surgeon puts into your child's eardrum. They help drain fluid from the middle ear and stop ear infections. This improves hearing and reduces pain.
Key facts
Getting grommets is a very common operation in children. It is the most common childhood surgery in many countries.
Grommets are most often placed in young children — usually between 1 and 3 years old — who have frequent ear infections or fluid buildup (glue ear). They can also help some older children and adults.
A doctor will look inside the ear with a special lighted tool called an otoscope. They may also use a test called tympanometry to check how the eardrum moves.
The doctor will explain why grommets might help, what the surgery involves, and how to prepare your child. You'll be given instructions about fasting (not eating or drinking) before the general anaesthetic.
Grommets are a common treatment for glue ear and frequent ear infections. The surgeon makes a tiny hole in the eardrum, drains fluid, and places a small tube. This lets air into the middle ear and stops fluid from building up.
Antibiotics may be prescribed before or after surgery to treat active infections. Ear drops might be used after grommet placement. Your doctor will tell you which treatments are right for your child — never use any medicine without advice.
Surgery is usually recommended when ear infections keep coming back (three or more in six months) or when glue ear causes hearing loss that affects speech or learning.
After the grommets are in place, many children hear better and have fewer earaches. You'll need to keep water out of the ears while the tubes are in — use earplugs or a shower cap. Most children can return to school or daycare in a day or two.
No special diet is needed. Normal activity is fine, but contact sports should wait until the doctor says it's safe — usually about 2 weeks.
It can be worrying to see your child have surgery, but most children recover quickly and feel much better. The improvement in hearing often helps with speech, learning, and social skills.
You cannot always prevent the need for grommets, but you can reduce the risk of ear infections. Breastfeeding for at least the first few months (if possible) and avoiding cigarette smoke around your child can help.
Make sure your child gets all routine childhood vaccines, including the pneumococcal vaccine, which helps prevent some ear infections.
Hearing screening is offered for newborns in many places. For children at risk, regular hearing tests can catch problems early.
For most children, grommets work well. Hearing improves, pain decreases, and ear infections become less frequent. The tubes fall out on their own, and the eardrum heals. Even if more tubes are needed later, the long-term outlook is excellent.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 16, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.