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Myringotomy (Grommets) In Mumbai

Safe and Effective Ventilation Tube Insertion for Glue Ear and Recurrent Ear Infections

Myringotomy is a small surgical procedure in which a tiny incision is made in the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to drain fluid from the middle ear and insert a ventilation tube (grommet). At Shree Hospitals, our specialist ENT surgeons perform myringotomy and grommet insertion for children and adults suffering from glue ear (otitis media with effusion), recurrent acute otitis media, and eustachian tube dysfunction, restoring hearing, reducing ear infections, and improving quality of life.

What is Myringotomy and Grommet Insertion?

Myringotomy is the surgical creation of a small incision in the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to access the middle ear space. When the eustachian tube (the channel connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat) fails to function normally, fluid accumulates in the middle ear causing hearing loss, ear discomfort, and susceptibility to recurrent infection. Grommet insertion (ventilation tube) at the time of myringotomy provides a bypass channel that aerates the middle ear and allows fluid to drain.

Grommets (also called ventilation tubes or tympanostomy tubes) are tiny hollow tubes approximately 1 to 2mm in diameter that sit in the eardrum and keep the myringotomy incision open. They allow air to pass into the middle ear, equalising pressure and preventing fluid accumulation. In children, grommets are the most commonly performed surgical procedure and are used primarily for glue ear (otitis media with effusion, OME) causing conductive hearing loss and recurrent acute otitis media that has not responded to conservative management.

At Shree Hospitals, myringotomy and grommet insertion is performed by our specialist ENT surgeons under the operating microscope using short-acting general anaesthesia in children (typically taking 10 to 15 minutes) and under local anaesthesia in cooperative adults. Short-term Shah grommets remain in the eardrum for 6 to 12 months before naturally extruding. Long-term T-tubes are used in cases requiring prolonged middle ear ventilation such as those associated with cleft palate or chronic eustachian tube dysfunction.

When Should You Consult an ENT Surgeon About Ear Fluid or Infections?

You should seek specialist evaluation if your child or you experience:

• Hearing loss or muffled hearing, particularly if fluctuating
• Your child has speech or language delay that may be related to hearing loss from glue ear
• 3 or more episodes of acute otitis media (middle ear infections) in 6 months
• Persistent ear fluid (glue ear) for more than 3 months confirmed on audiometry or tympanometry
• Ear discomfort, popping, or fullness related to eustachian tube dysfunction

Is Myringotomy and Grommet Insertion Right for Your Child or You?

Myringotomy with grommets is recommended if:

• Persistent bilateral glue ear with associated conductive hearing loss of 25dB or more on audiometry has been present for more than 3 months
• Recurrent acute otitis media is causing frequent antibiotic courses, missed school, or disrupted family life
• Hearing loss from glue ear is impacting speech development, learning, or behaviour in a child
• Eustachian tube dysfunction is causing significant ear pressure, pain, or difficulty equalising during flying
• Adenoid hypertrophy contributing to recurrent ear disease is to be addressed simultaneously

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Our Approach to Myringotomy and Grommet Insertion at Shree Hospitals

At Shree Hospitals, myringotomy is recommended only after thorough audiological assessment and clinical evaluation confirming the indications. Our ENT team ensures each family receives a clear explanation of the procedure, what to expect, and how to care for the ear post-operatively, including water precautions and signs of grommet blockage or early extrusion.

Full Audiological and Tympanometric Assessment

Every patient undergoes pure tone audiometry (or visual reinforcement audiometry for young children) and tympanometry before surgery is recommended. Type B tympanograms confirm the presence of middle ear fluid. The degree of conductive hearing loss and its impact on speech, learning, and quality of life are assessed to confirm the surgical indication.

Adenoid Assessment and Combined Procedures

In children with recurrent ear disease, our ENT surgeon assesses whether enlarged adenoids are contributing to eustachian tube obstruction and recurrent middle ear infection. Where adenoid hypertrophy is confirmed, adenoidectomy at the same sitting as grommet insertion significantly reduces the risk of recurrent glue ear and further grommet requirement compared to grommets alone.

Precise Myringotomy and Grommet Insertion

 Myringotomy is performed under operating microscope magnification through the ear canal. A precise radial incision is made in the anteroinferior quadrant of the eardrum (the safest anatomical position). Fluid is suctioned from the middle ear. The grommet is positioned in the incision with micro-forceps and confirmed to be seated correctly. The procedure takes only 10 to 15 minutes per ear.

Top ENT Surgeons in Mumbai

 Every specialist at Shree Hospitals is board-certified and has an average of 15+ years of clinical experience in rhinology, endoscopic sinus surgery, and nasal reconstruction.

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