AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR MYRINGOTOMIES AND GROMMETS

Description of procedure
A small plastic tube is placed in the middle ear via a small opening in the ear drum. This is done to drain fluid which accumulates behind the ear drum.

General-important points:

• After the operation, fluid may drain for two to three days.
• The tubes usually remain in the ear for three to six months and fall out on their own accord. It may be necessary for the doctor to remove the tubes.
• Hair can be washed one week after operation.

Activities:

• Your child may return to school a day later.
• The child should not swim for one week, thereafter the following precautions should be taken:

* Only swim in a clean swimming pool.
* Do not dive.
* Do not swim under water.
* The use of ear and nose plugs can be helpful but are not compulsory.
* After the tubes have fallen out or with Dr. Mol’s permission, the   
child may swim normally again.

• All other activities are allowed.
• If water does get into the ear use a hairdryer to “ dry it up”.

Contact your doctor if:

• Ear drainage continues for longer than 3 days.
• Drainage only starts to occur after a few days.
• Pain or bleeding occurs.

We wish you a speedy recovery.