Ear Tube Placement Treatment in India
About Ear Tube Placement
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay:
0 days (outpatient) or occasionally 1 day
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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.
Popular choices for ear tube placement in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ear tube placement. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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 | USD 275 – USD 771 | 0 days (outpatient) or occasionally 1 day | ~ 1-2 days for routine recovery; tubes function for 6-18 months | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 2,049 – USD 5,737 | 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.
Delhi, India
73 Doctors
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.
- 23 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 4 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 27 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 23 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 35 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 32 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 30 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 12 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 32 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata