Tympanostomy tubes for frequent ear infections in children
from 7 100 ₽
Service description
Tympanostomy at MediLavia is a microsurgical, minimally invasive ENT procedure that we perform with a focus on quality, safe anesthesia and a gentle approach to the child, including as a day-hospital procedure.
What the procedure is
Tympanostomy (placing ear tubes) is a modern hearing-preserving operation in which a thin ventilation tube is placed in the eardrum. It helps drain fluid (“effusion”) from the middle ear, equalize pressure and restore normal ventilation, reducing the risk of chronic otitis and hearing loss. At MediLavia, the operation is performed under optical control using micro-instruments and gentle techniques, which keeps tissue trauma and discomfort for the child to a minimum.
Safe anesthesia and the child's comfort
Before the procedure, the child is examined by an anesthesiologist, who reviews other conditions, test results and individual risks. We use modern anesthesia protocols focused on a quick, gentle induction and a safe recovery. Parents receive a clear plan in advance: how to prepare for the operation, how long it lasts, when the child will wake up and what they may feel afterwards.
Follow-up by a pediatrician and an ENT doctor
After the operation, two specialists look after the child: a pediatrician and an ENT doctor. The pediatrician monitors the child's general condition, temperature and tolerance of medication and advises on routine, food and returning to kindergarten or school. The ENT doctor is responsible for local follow-up: examines the ear, checks the position of the tube, the condition of the eardrum and hearing over time, and plans follow-up visits and, if needed, tube removal.
Day-hospital option
The child and parents arrive in the morning, the operation is performed, the child is observed in a room by the medical staff and, if feeling well, goes home the same day. This format reduces stress, shortens the hospital stay and reflects modern approaches to minimally invasive pediatric ENT surgery.
Rehabilitation
Recovery and activity
- One of the quickest procedures in pediatric surgery: it takes 10–15 minutes, and pain is minimal and lasts less than a day
- Most children return to normal activity the same day or the next
- Pain relief is usually needed only on the day of the operation
- School or kindergarten from the next day
Care, water and flights
- Antibiotic ear drops are not routinely prescribed after the operation
- Water precautions are not routinely needed; earplugs only if there is ear discharge or discomfort
- Swimming is allowed without restrictions (except during periods of ear discharge)
- Flying is allowed: the tube equalizes pressure by itself
- Ear discharge is treated with topical drops only, without systemic antibiotics
Follow-up
- First check-up within 3 months after the operation
- Then check-ups every 6 months until the tube comes out on its own
- A check-up 6–12 months after the tube comes out
Who it’s for
Chronic OME with symptoms
OME lasting 3 months or more with symptoms but no significant hearing loss.
Recurrent AOM with effusion
Recurrent acute otitis media with middle ear effusion at the time of examination.
Chronic OME with hearing loss
Chronic bilateral otitis media with effusion lasting 3 months or more with hearing loss.
OME with risk factors
Unilateral or bilateral OME of any duration in the presence of risk factors.
Contraindications
Contraindications
Absolute contraindication
- OME lasting less than 3 months: in most children it resolves on its own, so surgery is premature
Relative contraindications and limitations
- Children under 6 months: excluded from the AAO-HNS guideline because of very limited data; the decision is made individually
- Children over 12: not included in RCTs on tube effectiveness; older children have a significantly higher rate of complications (perforation, cholesteatoma) than younger ones
- Uncorrected coagulopathy: higher risk of bleeding during myringotomy
- Active outer ear infection: a relative contraindication until it resolves
- An only hearing ear: requires special caution because of the risk of perforation and possible hearing loss
The final indications and approach are determined by the ENT doctor based on examination, audiometry and tympanometry, in line with clinical guidelines.
Protocol “One Visit — Full Treatment Strategy”
This section is under construction
We are preparing the materials — content will appear here soon.
Useful materials
ENT11 minIndications and contraindications for ear tube placement (tympanostomy)
When placing a ventilation tube is justified and when ear tubes are not recommended: AAO-HNS criteria, risk groups, complications and effectiveness.
Read
ENT13 minModern treatment of otitis media in children
Watchful waiting or antibiotics, choice of drug and course length, pain relief, managing otitis media with effusion and prevention — based on NEJM and AAP data.
Read
ENT12 minCan frequent ear infections delay a child’s speech development?
How conductive hearing loss in otitis media with effusion affects speech and language, who is at risk and what ear tubes achieve — based on AAO-HNS guidance.
Read
ENT11 minSide effects of antibiotics for frequent ear infections in children
Diarrhea, antibiotic resistance, gut dysbiosis, the risk of allergies and asthma: why a balanced approach to antibiotics matters in recurrent ear infections.
Read
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Learn more
Get the «Unified Quality and Safety Protocol» — how the clinic protects the patient along the whole route
The document explains how MediLavia's safety system works: the questionnaire and doctor's preparation before the visit, mandatory risk screening by the general practitioner, a single case coordinator, multidisciplinary treatment-plan approval, pre-procedure checklists and a reinforced standard in paediatric practice.
Frequently asked questions
Signs include frequent ear infections, often asking to repeat things, reduced hearing, and findings from an ENT examination or audiometry.
Often, yes: adenoids can disrupt middle ear ventilation and trigger ear infections, so the condition is assessed as a whole.
No, the tube is usually temporary; the ENT doctor decides on further steps and timing during follow-up. Short-term tubes work for about 12 months on average, after which they come out on their own.
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Contacts
Clinic location
Address
10 Parshina St., premises 23N, entrance 9, Moscow
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 08:00–20:00
Map
MediLavia — 10 Parshina St., premises 23N, entrance 9, Moscow
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The text contains no guarantees of outcome. Final indications, contraindications and the treatment plan are determined by the doctor after an in-person consultation and diagnostics.