Where are ear “tubes” placed?
Published April 14, 2024 | 
Ventilation or tympanostomy tube placement is the most common surgical procedure done in the United States.
Most commonly it is performed in infants and children to treat recurrent otitis media (common middle ear infection). The tubes serve to drain the ears, thereby promoting drying of the middle ear space, and equilibrate pressure. In adults and children, chronic dysfunction of theeustachian tubes or infection can result in hearing loss that also is commonly resolved by the tube placement. Decision and discussion regarding tube placement is usually done through consultation with an otolaryngologist after your primary care physician or pediatrician feels your condition and history warrant a referral.