Postoperative Instructions Following Bilateral Myringotomy and Tube Placement

• Patient may notice some bloody drainage from the ear following tube placement.
• It is not unusual to have muffled hearing for the first 7-10 days.
• It is normal for your ears to feel clogged or have the sensation of fullness for 7-10 days after the procedure.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) and/or ibuprofen (MOTRIN^®, Advil^®), which can be obtained over the counter, may be used as directed for discomfort.
• When washing hair, try not to get soap/shampoo in your ears.
• If patient is planning on swimming and going to submerge head in non-treated water (lakes, rivers, ocean), ear plugs should be worn.
• It is okay to go swimming in treated water (chlorinated pools) without wearing ear plugs if only going one-two feet under water. If planning on submerging the head deeper, the patient should wear ear plugs.
• Call our office at 952-832-5252 for fever over 101.5°F, persistent drainage from the ears, or any other questions or concerns.
• The patient will need to have a responsible adult who can drive them home from the surgery if performed at an outpatient surgery center.
• The patient will need to have a responsible adult with them for 24 hours following this surgery if it was performed at an outpatient surgery center.

Call (952) 832-5252 to speak with a triage nurse during normal business hours. There is also a physician available for after-hour emergencies.