Overview
Grommets, also known as ventilation tubes, tympanostomy tubes, or ear tubes, are tiny hollow cylinders inserted into the eardrum to allow air to pass into the middle ear. They are commonly used to treat children and sometimes adults who suffer from recurrent ear infections (otitis media) or persistent glue ear (otitis media with effusion).
In Korea, grommet insertion is a widely performed and safe surgical procedure, usually carried out by ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialists. Korean hospitals provide advanced microsurgical equipment, highly trained surgeons, and efficient care pathways for children and adults requiring this treatment.
What is Grommets Surgery?
Grommet insertion involves placing a tiny tube into the eardrum to:
- Allow air circulation in the middle ear
- Prevent fluid buildup
- Reduce the frequency of infections
- Improve hearing in patients with glue ear
The tubes are typically made of silicone, plastic, or metal and usually stay in place for 6–12 months before naturally falling out.
Benefits of Grommets
- Improved hearing for children with glue ear
- Reduced ear infections and fewer antibiotic courses
- Better speech and language development in children
- Relief from ear pressure and pain
- Improved quality of life for children and parents
- Safe and minimally invasive with quick recovery
Procedure Details
1) How should I prepare for Grommets surgery?
- Initial ENT consultation → Hearing test, ear examination, and tympanometry.
- Medical history → Discussion of ear infections, allergies, and past treatments.
- Fasting instructions → If general anesthesia is used, children must avoid food/drink for several hours before surgery.
- Parental preparation → Parents should understand risks, benefits, and aftercare.
2) What happens during the procedure Grommets surgery?
- Performed under general anesthesia (for children) or local anesthesia (for adults).
- A tiny cut (myringotomy) is made in the eardrum.
- Fluid is suctioned out from the middle ear.
- A grommet tube is placed into the incision to keep it open.
- The whole procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes.
3) What happens after a Grommets surgery?
- Children usually go home the same day.
- Mild ear discomfort may occur but resolves quickly.
- Hearing improvement is often noticeable within a few days.
- Parents should keep ears dry (avoid swimming without ear protection).
- Follow-up visits are scheduled every few months to check if the grommets are still in place.
Risks / Benefits
Risks
- Small risk of ear infection even after surgery
- Scarring on the eardrum (rarely affects hearing)
- Persistent perforation after tube falls out (rare)
- Need for repeat surgery if condition recurs
- Temporary ear discharge after surgery
Benefits
- Restores normal hearing in most children
- Reduces recurrent ear infections
- Improves speech development and school performance
- Safe, effective, and commonly performed in Korea
Recovery and Outlook
- Recovery time is very short – most children return to normal activity within 24 hours.
- Grommets fall out naturally after 6–12 months; the eardrum heals on its own.
- In some cases, repeat surgery may be needed if glue ear recurs.
- Long-term outlook is excellent – most children outgrow ear infections as they get older.
When To Call the Doctor
Parents should contact their ENT doctor if:
- ⚠️ Persistent ear discharge after surgery
- ⚠️ High fever or severe ear pain
- ⚠️ Hearing does not improve
- ⚠️ Grommet falls out too early
- ⚠️ Signs of recurrent infections despite tubes
Best Korea Option / Process
South Korea is an excellent destination for grommet surgery due to:
- Skilled ENT specialists with pediatric expertise
- Modern operating theaters equipped with microscopes and endoscopes
- Affordable treatment compared to Western countries
- English-speaking care teams in top hospitals
Leading Korean Hospitals for Grommets (Ear Tube Insertion):
- Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) – ENT department with pediatric specialists
- Asan Medical Center, Seoul – Comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care
- Samsung Medical Center – World-class pediatric ENT services
- Yonsei Severance Hospital – Specializes in recurrent ear infection management
👉 For children with glue ear or recurrent infections, grommet surgery in Korea is a safe, fast, and effective solution to restore hearing and prevent long-term complications.
