1. Earplugs are probably not necessary for casual water exposure from routine bathing or surface swimming. The hair may be shampooed and rinsed in a normal manner. Water may be poured on top of the head and allowed to run down naturally.

2. Earplugs are required for total head submersion such as diving and swimming underwater. Earplugs may be purchased at any drug store or obtained in our office.

IMMEDIATE POSTOP PERIOD

1. A patient may anticipate a certain amount of pulsation, popping, clicking, and other sounds in the ear. A feeling of fullness is not unusual in the early postoperative period.

2. Tylenol or Motrin should be sufficient for any discomfort.

3. If ear drops are prescribed after surgery, place 4 or 5 drops in each ear twice a day for the next 5 to 7 days. Antibiotic eye drops may be used in the ear due to there mild formulation and lack of irritation. After the drops are placed in the ear canal, gently push the medication through the tube into the middle ear space with light finger pressure in front of the ear.

4. If oral antibiotics are prescribed, take them as directed.

5. If you have eardrops from your pediatrician used for pain such as Auralgan, Tympagesic, or Americaine, please throw them away. These drops will burn the middle ear tissue while the tubes are in place.

6. If tympanostomy tubes are placed without any other surgical procedure, many children feel good enough to resume normal activities several hours after surgery. Most can return back to school or day care the next day.

7. A follow up appointment should be scheduled for two weeks after surgery. Contact our office to report any:

excessive bleeding from the ear or bloody discharge after the first 48 hours
sticky or discolored ear drainage after the first 48 hours
temperature above 101 degrees
dizziness, confusion, or extreme drowsiness after first 24 hours
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

1. If the patient has another ear infection in the future, you will notice the presence of thick, yellow discharge from the ear. Occasionally these secretions are blood-tinged. The presence of drainage indicates an active infection. The first action would be to contact the patient's primary care physician for medication. If the drainage persists for more than one week, please contact our office for a follow up visit.

2. Routine follow up appointments should be scheduled for six to twelve months after surgery to see that the tubes are functioning properly.

3. Follow up appointments are made anytime if problems arise.