Your child may have grommets inserted into one or both eardrums. As confusion can arise about the do's and don'ts concerning your child, this leaflet has been written to help you. If there is anything that subsequently arises, or you don't understand, please ask us for advice.

What are Grommets?

Grommets are tiny white plastic buttons, with a fine hole down the middle. They sit in a hole in the eardrum, and are inserted with special instruments using a microscope. The space behind the eardrum in your child's ear contains fluid which will recur as soon as it is drained out: The grommet lets air into the this space to keep it dry. This function is normally performed by a tube which connects the ear to the nose, called the eustachian tube. This tube is temporarily blocked in your child, who, as a result, may become hard-of-hearing and may suffer from ear infections.

How long do they stay in?

This varies from three to eighteen months, but is usually six months or so. You will know that the grommet has come out if you see it in the child's ear wax. If you find it, it can be thrown away. Sometimes a grommet becomes blocked and has to be replaced, but this is unusual.

How do Grommets come out?

Grommets do not need to be removed - they are designed to come out on their own. If the treatment has been successful, you may not know when they come out of the eardrum, so one of the reasons for going to see the specialist every three or four months is for him to see whether the grommets are still working or not.

Are Grommets harmful?

Grommets don't cause any harm by themselves. Any harm that occurs with hearing problems in children is due solely to the problem itself.

How many times do they need to be put in?

Approximately two-thirds of children require no attention after the grommet comes out. A minority of children need to have grommets put in two or even three times, and very few children need grommets permanently, because the eustachian tube isn't formed properly.

When should I take my child to see the doctor?

You need to bring your child along if he is getting earache, or discharge is coming from the ear. Occasionally, children get a discharge from the ear shortly after the operation: If this happens, you should consult us.

What can or can't my child do?

He can swim! The hole in the grommet is sufficiently small not to let any water in, provided he/she doesn't dive or swim underwater. However, it would be best to keep your child out of the sea, especially if you visit the Mediterranean. Also, be especially careful about bath-water and hair-washing - some shampoos are very irritant if they get in to the middle ear. To keep bath-water out, use a plug of cotton wool covered in Vaseline. Otherwise, your child can do whatever he or she wants, eg: flying, football and gymnastics.