SERVICES
GROMMETS
WHY DO WE NEED GROMMETS?
Tiny plastic tubes called grommets naturally fit into the eardrum opening to regulate air in and out of its entrance. Primarily, grommets resolve a condition called 'glue ear’ in children, which occurs when fluid builds up in the middle part of the ear canal. You may benefit from grommets if you suffer from recurrent ear infections, earache, hearing loss, speech difficulty and ringing inside the ears (tinnitus).
ARE GROMMETS PERMANENT?
Grommets remain inside the eardrum for at least six months but may last a year or longer. Eventually, the fixtures fall out on their own.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Grommets regulate air entering the middle ear from the outside. By allowing concentrated air into the ear canal, grommets maintain pressure inside that part of the eardrum. By controlling ear pressure, fluid cannot accumulate inside the middle ear. Even with an ear infection, while the grommets are in place, pus exits through these tubes.
HOW DO WE PLACE GROMMETS?
Placing grommets is a relatively standard procedure that happens under general anaesthetic and lasts fifteen minutes at most. Your Ent surgeon makes a tiny hole about the size of a pinprick in the eardrum and inserts a grommet through the opening. This procedure occurs on both sides to equalise ear pressure. Grommets last for about a year before they fall out.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM THE PROCEDURE?
With grommets in the ears, hearing loss from excessive fluid gets better. This is an entirely painless day procedure that doesn't require an overnight hospital stay. Remember not to get soapy water or dirt inside the ear. It's also important to avoid swimming for a couple of weeks unless your doctor says otherwise. An earache can be relieved through prescription ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Your Ent surgeon will examine the grommets to check that they are in the correct place at a follow-up appointment.
WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE GROMMETS PLACEMENT?
A pre-assessment is a standard procedure to check whether you qualify for grommets. You will meet with Dr Nel and her medical team to discuss the procedure in detail, ask questions and sign a consent form. This is an opportune time to share any allergies you have and previous surgeries you have undergone. You will also meet with the specialist anaesthetist to enquire about the type of anaesthesia you will be placed under.
CAN ADULTS RECEIVE GROMMETS?
Although grommets are medical devices associated with children, adults can get them too. Glue ear can occur in both children and adults. Placing grommets is an easy way to regulate pressure in both ears and restore hearing.
WHAT ARE EUSTACHIAN TUBES?
Eustachian tubes are channels that run from the nose down to the middle ear. Usually, these tubes are closed and only open when you yawn or swallow. Eustachian tubes control ear pressure and remove built-up fluid inside the middle ear.
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