Grommet Ear Surgery

As the name suggests, glue ear refers to the buildup of sticky fluid in the ear that makes it difficult to hear. It can also present with symptoms of ear pressure and blockage.  It is quite common in children and can affect their speech, language and education; however, it can also occur in adults. That is why doctors usually recommend treating glue with grommets, small plastic tubes that are inserted into the eardrum to allow for the passage of air into the ear, which equalises the middle ear pressures and allows for the dissipation and drainage of fluid. This is why, in other countries, grommets are known as ventilation tubes, because they ventilate the middle ear.

If you are looking to get private grommet ear surgery in Birmingham, speak to our team today to book your consultation. Let our highly experienced doctors help you or your little one hear better.

Why Might You Need Grommet Surgery?

When sticky fluid builds up in the middle of the ear, it prevents sound from passing through the eardrum properly. In some cases, this can lead to pain or even hearing loss in one or both ears. 

Research suggests that 8 in 10 children will experience glue ear before they reach the age of 10. However, the good news is that putting grommets into your child’s eardrum can help them if they have glue ear. We also treat adults with grommet surgery for conditions such as recurrent ear infections and ear pressure problems.

Causes & Symptoms

While glue ear is not an infection, it often follows a middle ear infection, especially in young children. 

Other potential causes of glue ear include:

• Swollen or infected adenoids - Adenoids refer to the tissue at the back of the nose that helps to fight infection. When this tissue is swollen, glue ear can get worse. Usually, doctors will advise that your child have their adenoids removed and grommets inserted.
• Problems with the eustachian tube - The tube between the back of the nose and the middle of the ear.
• Inflamed middle ear.

The chances of your child getting glue ear increase if:

• You feed them with an unventilated bottle
• You or someone in your household smokes
• They regularly have colds or throat infections
• They have allergies
• They are around lots of other unwell children, e.g. in nurseries
• They have Down Syndrome or a cleft palate

It can be challenging for children to describe what is bothering them. But thankfully, there are some signs parents can look out for, including:

• Problems with speech and language
• Hearing problems - Children with glue ear may be more irritable because they are having difficulty hearing and participating in conversations. You may also notice that they have the television on a high volume or talk loudly
• Trouble sleeping
• Problems with balance
• Trouble concentrating
• A change in behaviour

Other symptoms that can impact both adults and children include:

• Mild ear pain
• Popping sensation
• A feeling of fullness in the ear

If you are looking to get private grommet ear surgery in Birmingham, speak to our team today to book your consultation. Let our highly experienced doctors help you or your loved ones hear better—whether child or adult.

How to Prepare

Before the surgery, you will have a formal consultation with our ENT Surgeons. To determine the best treatment plan, you will need to let us know about your medical history and symptoms. 

If our consultants recommend grommet surgery, they will explain what happens during the procedure and whether local or General anaesthetic will be needed. General anaesthetic is the most suitable approach for children.

What Happens During the Procedure

Understandably, surgery can be pretty stressful for you or your child, but there is no need to worry. Our knowledgeable and caring healthcare professionals will be by your side throughout the entire process.

Before the operation, a local anaesthetic will be administered, which means that the area is completely numb to pain whilst the grommets are fitted, but you’re awake during the procedure.

During the procedure, the surgeon will examine the eardrum under a microscope and make a small cut in the eardrum. This cut is usually around 2mm. They will then use a fine sucker to drain the fluid in the middle ear. The grommet is then fitted into the hole to allow air to pass into the ear. It is possible to treat both ears in just one operation, and it will usually take up to 20 minutes to insert the grommets.

To prevent infection, ear drops containing an antibiotic and a steroid may be put into the ear.

Please note that having the procedure under local anaesthetic is safe; however, it requires the ability to lie still. If this isn’t possible, general anaesthetic may be needed, particularly for children, which will need to be carried out at a hospital.

Mr Fussey performs grommet surgery under local anaesthetic for adults, while children’s procedures will be carried out under general anaesthetic by one of our paediatric ENT specialists, Mr Amit Parmar.

To ensure that your child feels safe, you can accompany them to the operating room and stay by their side. Our medical experts will provide your child with outstanding patient care in the operating theatre and recovery room, and you will be able to go home a few hours after the procedure when a general anaesthetic is required.

Aftercare

Grommet surgery does not usually involve an overnight stay. After the procedure, patients will be taken to a recovery room. Our professionals closely monitor patients as the local anaesthetic wears off. Patients are then taken to a comfortable area where they can rest until they are ready to go home.

If you have the procedure under local anaesthetic, then you can go home within 30 minutes of having the procedure.

Recovery Time

Shortly after the operation, it is not uncommon for children to experience a small amount of ear discomfort. But this is completely normal. If the discomfort is too much for them to manage, consider giving them paracetamol or ibuprofen following the instructions on the packet. Similarly, it is normal for there to be a little blood-stained discharge.

As the eardrum heals, the body will naturally push the grommet out into the ear canal. This usually happens over a period of 9 - 12 months, and afterwards, the hole in the eardrum will close up in the majority of patients. In rare circumstances, there may be a perforation in the tympanic membrane; however, for some people, this may be beneficial as it’s like having a long-term grommet. For other people, this perforation may need repairing in the future. Your ENT surgeon will discuss this with you during the initial consultation.

If the grommet does not come out by itself, it may need to be removed with another small operation. Likewise, if the hole does not seal up, this can be treated with a small operation.

At this point, the glue ear has usually cleared. But if the sticky fluid returns, another grommet may need to be put in.

Taking Care of Your Child

Even after your private grommet surgery, our surgeons will ensure that you or your child receives the best care. We may provide a course of antibiotic ear drops to help prevent infection and make sure that you are well aware of any potential risks. Around six weeks later, our surgeons will check the position of the grommets to ensure there are no complications.

Prices

Our Surgeons

Our private ear glue treatments in Birmingham are conducted by our in-house specialist, Amit Parmar, who is supported by Jonathan Fussey. Amit and Jonathan excel at meeting high standards and hold posts at well-renowned hospitals in the UK, delivering ENT expertise in complex surgeries.

Why Choose Us

With our private glue ear treatments, you or your little one can get crucial grommet surgery quickly without needing a referral from a GP referral or having to deal with hearing problems whilst on a waiting list. Plus, you can select an appointment time that works for you.

You benefit from:

• Glue ear treatments with our specialist surgeon within a matter of days
• Instant medical care without waiting lists or GP referrals
• Highly advanced medical facilities

How to Find Us

We carry out private grommet surgery at our clinic on Francis Road, located in Edgbaston.

The clinic is easily accessible whether you're travelling locally or from further afield. Edgbaston is well connected by road, with direct access from the A38, one of Birmingham’s main arterial routes. We're just a short drive from the city centre and within easy reach of the M5, M6, and M42 motorways, making travel straightforward from across the Midlands and beyond.

Patients arriving by car can use the Broadway Plaza car park free of charge for up to 2 hours when their vehicle registration is validated at Midland Health reception.

We’re also well connected by public transport. Five Ways railway station is a short walk away and provides direct links to Birmingham New Street Station, offering convenient access from across the UK.

FAQ