Learn about Ear Tube Placement Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Ear Tube Placement and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Ear Tube Placement

Ear tube placement, also known as tympanostomy or myringotomy, is a common outpatient surgical procedure performed by an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist. It involves making a tiny incision in the eardrum to drain accumulated fluid and inserting a small, hollow tube. This tube ventilates the middle ear, equalizes pressure, and prevents fluid buildup, which is a common cause of recurrent ear infections and hearing loss, especially in children. The procedure is quick, typically taking 10-15 minutes, and is highly effective in restoring hearing, reducing infection frequency, and alleviating associated pain and pressure. The tubes usually fall out naturally within 6 to 18 months as the eardrum heals.

Key Highlights

    Quick, minimally invasive outpatient procedure (10-15 minutes).Immediate relief from ear pressure and pain.Significantly reduces the frequency and severity of middle ear infections (otitis media).Restores and improves hearing, which is crucial for speech and language development in children.Helps drain persistent fluid that doesn't resolve with medication.Tubes are self-extruding and typically fall out naturally as the eardrum heals./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Recurrent acute otitis media (4 or more episodes in 6 months, or 6 in a year).
  • Persistent otitis media with effusion (fluid in the middle ear) lasting 3+ months with hearing loss.
  • Chronic ear infections that do not respond adequately to antibiotic treatment.
  • Significant hearing loss or speech delay in a child due to persistent fluid.
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction causing severe ear pressure, pain, or retraction of the eardrum.
  • Prevention of complications from chronic middle ear disease (e.g., cholesteatoma).

How to prepare

  • Complete a thorough ENT evaluation, including an audiogram (hearing test) and tympanometry.
  • Discuss all current medications, allergies, and medical history with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
  • Follow fasting instructions (typically no food or drink for 6-8 hours before surgery if general anesthesia is used).
  • Arrange for transportation home post-procedure, as you or your child will not be able to drive.
  • For children, prepare them for the hospital visit in an age-appropriate, reassuring manner.

Risks & possible complications

  • Common: Temporary drainage from the ear (otorrhea) post-surgery.
  • Tube blockage by dried blood or secretions.
  • Persistent perforation of the eardrum after the tube falls out (rare, <3%).
  • Scarring of the eardrum (tympanosclerosis), usually without hearing impact.
  • Infection around the tube site.
  • Tube may extrude too early or remain in place too long, requiring removal.
  • Very rare: Cholesteatoma (skin cyst) formation, hearing loss, or taste disturbance.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Most patients go home within 1-2 hours after the procedure.
  • Ear drainage or mild discomfort is common for 1-3 days; pain relievers like acetaminophen are recommended.
  • Use prescribed antibiotic ear drops as directed to prevent infection.
  • Keep ears dry. Use waterproof earplugs or a cotton ball with petroleum jelly during baths, and avoid swimming for the time recommended by your ENT (often 1-2 weeks).
  • Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor tube position, ear health, and hearing.
  • Avoid blowing the nose forcefully. Sneeze with the mouth open if possible.
  • Normal activities can usually resume within 24 hours.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient) or occasionally 1 day
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for routine recovery; tubes function for 6-18 months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering ear tube placement in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for ear tube placement compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 25 Thousand – 70 Thousand 0 days (outpatient) or occasionally 1 day ~ 1-2 days for routine recovery; tubes function for 6-18 months Know More
Turkey TRY 87.5 Thousand – 245 Thousand 0 days (outpatient) or occasionally 1 day ~ 1-2 days for routine recovery; tubes function for 6-18 months Know More

Top hospitals for Ear Tube Placement in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing ear tube placement.

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1681+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Dwarka

  • IconDelhi, India
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2478+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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1837+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salem

  • IconSalem, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
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98+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

  • IconBangalore, India
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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12320+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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185+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
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872+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Millers Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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418+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
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418+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
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156+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
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181+ Rating

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Patient Name: Priya Joshi. Age &...

Patient Name: Priya Joshi. Age & Background: 18 months old, first child of working parents in a suburban area. Symptoms/History: Recurrent ear infections (6 in the past year) following every common cold, leading to frequent high fevers, night crying, and tugging at ears. Multiple courses of antibiotics provided only temporary relief. Doctor Recommendation: The pediatrician and ENT specialist, Dr. Chen, recommended bilateral ear tube placement (tympanostomy) due to persistent fluid behind the eardrums (otitis media with effusion) causing mild hearing loss and delaying speech development. Treatment Experience: Priya underwent the brief outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Her parents were anxious but reassured by the quick timeline (about 15 minutes). They were with her as she woke up in recovery, fussy but comforted quickly. Post-Procedure Recovery Outcome: Excellent. The immediate drainage of sticky fluid was noticeable. Ear infections ceased dramatically. Within weeks, her hearing improved, her balance became steadier, and her budding vocabulary exploded. Follow-up visits showed tubes functioning perfectly. Emotional Journey: Before: Her parents felt helpless, exhausted from sleepless nights and worried about developmental delays. They were fearful of anesthesia. After: Immense relief and joy. Seeing Priya more comfortable, engaged, and hitting speech milestones transformed their anxiety into gratitude. The procedure was a 'small miracle' for their family's quality of life.

ENT Specialists for Ear Tube Placement

Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform ear tube placement and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Muthu kumar s
  • 16 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Gayatri Pandit
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Diptarka Bhattacharyya
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. J Jayabaskar
  • 9 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shalina Ray
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anitha Kumari AM
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Vijay Rangachari
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Alok Banka
  • 18 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. EV Raman
  • 43 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Girish Rai
  • 38 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Bathi Reddy
  • 36 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anitha Kumari AM
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Satish Nair
  • 29 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Parvinderjit Singh Kohli
  • 20 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. Vishal Sharma
  • 10 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

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Dr. Praveen Kumar R
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

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Dr. Dathathri HA
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

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Dr. Arun Raykar N Raykar
  • 19 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Shalini Bansal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. Shanthala MN
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated