From the Guidelines
The nurse practitioner will teach parents that the child should be seen by the surgeon or ear, nose, and throat provider within 3 months after surgery to ensure the ear tube is in proper position and fully functioning, and that follow-up appointments are typically recommended every 6 months, as stated in the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Points to Teach Parents
- The tubes typically fall out on their own within 6-18 months as the eardrum heals, and parents should be informed of this timeline 1.
- Parents should watch for signs of infection such as ear drainage, fever, increased pain, or behavioral changes, and report these immediately 1.
- Antibiotic ear drops should be administered as directed, typically for 3-7 days, in case of an ear infection 1.
- Mild discomfort is normal for 24-48 hours post-procedure and can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen as recommended by the provider 1.
- Water precautions, such as using earplugs, are not routinely necessary but may be recommended in certain situations, such as during an episode of acute tympanostomy tube otorrhea or if the child is prone to recurrent infections 1.
Importance of Follow-Up
- Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure proper healing and tube function, and to detect any potential complications early on 1.
- The nurse practitioner should educate parents on the importance of adhering to the recommended follow-up schedule and provide them with written instructions and guidance on how to care for their child's ear tubes 1.
From the Research
Teaching Points for Parents of a Child with New Pressure-Equalizing Tubes (PET)
The nurse practitioner will teach the parents of a child with new pressure-equalizing tubes (PET) in both ears the following:
- The child should avoid getting water in the ears, especially during showering or bathing, to prevent infection and promote healing 2.
- The use of earplugs when showering or bathing may be recommended to keep the ears dry 2.
- The tubes will help to equalize the air pressure in the ears and may reduce the number of ear infections the child has, although the evidence for this is limited 3, 4.
- Parents should notice improved hearing in their child, as the tubes can help to drain fluid from the middle ear and improve hearing thresholds 3.
Care and Maintenance of Pressure-Equalizing Tubes
The nurse practitioner will also teach the parents about the care and maintenance of the pressure-equalizing tubes, including:
- How to keep the ears clean and dry
- How to recognize signs of infection or other complications
- How to manage ear discomfort or pain
- How to follow up with the healthcare provider for regular check-ups and to monitor the child's hearing and ear health 2, 5.
Expected Outcomes
The expected outcomes of pressure-equalizing tube insertion include: