Grommet Insertion (Child)
Our consultant ENT surgeons can perform grommet insertion on children. Below you can read more about what is involved in this procedure. For further information, please speak to your consultant.
What is glue ear?
Glue ear is a common issue whereby fluid gathers in the middle ear behind the eardrum (see figure 1). The condition may result in deafness as well as recurrent earache or infections, leading to discharge from the ear.

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A grommet is a small plastic or metal tube which, when inserted into your child’s ear, prevents a build-up of fluid by allowing air to enter the middle ear.
What are the alternatives?
Glue ear almost always improves over time; however, it is uncertain how long this will take. Surgery is recommended when the condition persists for longer than a few months and is causing problems with hearing, slow speech development, recurrent infections, slow school progress or behavioural problems.
What does the procedure entail?
A typical procedure takes around 20 minutes and is carried out under general anaesthetic. A doctor will make a small hole in your child’s eardrum and use suction to remove excess fluid. This process is known as myringotomy. They will then place either a metal or plastic grommet in the hole.
What are the complications?
Possible complications associated with this type of procedure include:
- Bleeding
- Pain and discomfort
- Discharge from the ear
- A hole left in the eardrum when the grommet falls out
- Fluid continuing to build up in the middle ear
- Fluid leaking from the ear
How long will it take for my child to recover?
It is highly likely that your child will be able to return home the same day as the procedure. They should be able to return to their everyday activities within a couple of days of the operation; however, they should not go swimming until they have made a full recovery. Depending on the material and shape of the grommet, it will fall out of your child’s ear after 6-18 months.
Summary
Glue ear is a common issue that may improve on its own without the need for surgery. A grommet is often recommended when the child has been suffering from symptoms for over three months and when their loss of hearing is affecting speech development or their education.
References: EIDO Healthcare Limited – The operation and treatment information on this website is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
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Grommet Insertion (Child) Consultants
Qualifications
FRCS (ORL-HNS), FRCS (Oto), MSc, MS (Oto), DLO, PG Cert. HCL (Open), MBBS
Clinical Interests
ENT Surgery including:
Adenotonsillectomy
Septoplasty / Rhinoplasty
FESS
Laryngoscopy
Myringoplasty
Mastoid Surgery
Tonsillectomy.
Tongue...
Qualifications
FRCS (ORL-HNS), FRCS (Oto), MSc, MS (Oto), DLO, PG Cert. HCL (Open), MBBS
Clinical Interests
ENT Surgery including:
Adenotonsillectomy
Septoplasty / Rhinoplasty
FESS
Laryngoscopy
Myringoplasty
Mastoid Surgery
Tonsillectomy.
Tongue...
Qualifications
MBBS MS(ENT) DNB(ENT) DLO MRCS MD FRCS(ORL HNS)
Clinical Interests
All ENT conditions in adults and children including ear problems, hearing loss, sinusitis, nasal obstruction, glue ear,...
Qualifications
MBBS MS(ENT) DNB(ENT) DLO MRCS MD FRCS(ORL HNS)
Clinical Interests
All ENT conditions in adults and children including ear problems, hearing loss, sinusitis, nasal obstruction, glue ear,...
Qualifications
MS FRCS FRCS(ORL) FACS
Clinical Interests
Otology, voice disorders and laryngology. Sinus disease and sinus surgery (endoscopic). Middle ear surgery (including...
Qualifications
MS FRCS FRCS(ORL) FACS
Clinical Interests
Otology, voice disorders and laryngology. Sinus disease and sinus surgery (endoscopic). Middle ear surgery (including...
Qualifications
MA MBBS FRCS(ORL) MD
Clinical Interests
Sinusitis, septorhinoplasty, sinus surgery, sinonasal disease and surgery including balloon sinuplasty, rhinoplasty,...
Qualifications
MA MBBS FRCS(ORL) MD
Clinical Interests
Sinusitis, septorhinoplasty, sinus surgery, sinonasal disease and surgery including balloon sinuplasty, rhinoplasty,...
Qualifications
MBBS FRCS(Eng) FRCS (ORL-HNS)
Clinical Interests
Paediatric ENT
Rhinology – endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal allergy polyps, rhinoplasty, snoring and smell disorders.
Otology...
Qualifications
MBBS FRCS(Eng) FRCS (ORL-HNS)
Clinical Interests
Paediatric ENT
Rhinology – endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal allergy polyps, rhinoplasty, snoring and smell disorders.
Otology...
Qualifications
FRCS(ORL-HNS)
Clinical Interests
Ear problems. Hearing and balance disorders. Tinnitus. Menieres disease. Eustachian tube problems (after flights or...
Qualifications
FRCS(ORL-HNS)
Clinical Interests
Ear problems. Hearing and balance disorders. Tinnitus. Menieres disease. Eustachian tube problems (after flights or...
Qualifications
BM BCh (Oxon), MA (Cantab), FRCS, FRCS-ORLHNS (England), MD (London)
Clinical Interests
Otology- Ear and hearing problems, ear infections, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Eustachian tube problems, Otosclerosis, middle...
Qualifications
BM BCh (Oxon), MA (Cantab), FRCS, FRCS-ORLHNS (England), MD (London)
Clinical Interests
Otology- Ear and hearing problems, ear infections, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Eustachian tube problems, Otosclerosis, middle...
Clinical Interests
Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea surgery
Advanced Otology
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Ear infections
Clinical Interests
Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea surgery
Advanced Otology
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Ear infections