Ear tubes help fluid drain from behind the eardrum. Sometimes that drainage may be clear, cloudy, yellow or even have an odor if there is an infection.
If you are concerned about your child’s drainage, contact your ENT team. Many ear infections that happen after tube placement can be treated with antibiotic ear drops alone.
If drainage continues or keeps coming back, your child's care team may want to evaluate them in the office.
There's Blood Coming From My Child's Ear. Should I Be Worried?
A small amount of blood or blood-tinged drainage can be normal after ear tube surgery.
During the procedure, a tiny opening is made in the eardrum to place the tube. Because of that, some oozing or minor bleeding is normal during the first few days after surgery.
Even a small amount of blood can look dramatic because the ear canal is so small.
A helpful thing to remember: a little blood can look like a lot in a very small ear.
If bleeding is heavy, persistent or your child complains of significant pain, swelling or other concerning symptoms, contact your Connecticut Children’s ENT team.
Can Kids Still Get Ear Infections After Getting Ear Tubes?
Yes.
One of the biggest myths about ear tubes is that they completely eliminate ear infections.
Ear tubes help make the infections that do come more bearable, but don’t completely stop them from happening.
The good news is that when infections happen, they're often easier to treat because with tubes in place, antibiotic ear drops reach the middle ear to kill the infection. This eliminates the need for oral antibiotics, which many parents deal with repeatedly before making the decision for ear tubes.
How Will I Know If My Child Has an Ear Infection After Tubes?
Drainage is often the biggest clue.
You may notice fluid coming from the ear, sometimes with an unpleasant odor.
If you think it could be an ear infection, contact your ENT team for guidance.
My Child Says Everything Sounds Too Loud. Is That Normal?
Surprisingly, yes.
Many children who need ear tubes have had fluid trapped behind their eardrums for weeks or even months. That fluid can muffle sounds and make hearing less clear.
So, imagine the whole new world of hearing once the fluid is removed and tubes are in place. Everything seems much louder!
While this can be surprising, it's usually temporary. Most children adjust quickly as they get used to hearing normally again.
Most children recover from ear tube surgery very quickly. A little drainage or even a small amount of blood can be completely normal, so don't panic. If you're ever unsure whether something is part of the normal healing process, we'd much rather you call and ask.
Yes. Many children with ear tubes can swim without any issues.
Some families also choose to use ear plugs when:
Swimming in lakes, rivers or the ocean
Diving deeper than six feet underwater
Participating in water activities for a long period of time
Every child is different, and the decision to use ear plugs is often based on comfort and parental preference.
If your child currently has ear drainage or is being treated for an ear infection, it's best to avoid swimming until treatment is complete.
How Long Do Ear Tubes Last?
Most ear tubes stay in place for about a year before falling out on their own.
As the eardrum heals, it gradually pushes the tube out naturally.
In a small number of cases, the tubes don't come out on their own, but that’s ok—a quick visit to your Connecticut Children’s ENT will solve the problem.
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Follow-up care is an important part of ensuring the tubes are working properly and your child's hearing is improving.
Most children return for:
• An ENT follow-up visit about 2–3 months after surgery • A hearing evaluation with audiology • Routine visits every 6–9 months while the tubes remain in place
After the tubes fall out and the eardrums heal, your child's care team may recommend another hearing test.
When Should I Call the ENT Team?
Contact your child's care team for:
Ear drainage that isn't improving
Significant redness or swelling around the ear
New facial weakness or changes in facial movement
Persistent pain
Concerns about hearing
Questions about recovery
No question is too small when it comes to your child's health. If something doesn't seem right, your care team is always happy to help.
Wondering if ear tubes are the right choice for your child?
Learn when pediatric ENT specialists recommend ear tube surgery, what the procedure involves and how it can reduce repeated ear infections and improve hearing.
