From the Guidelines
Ear tubes in a 12-year-old typically last about 6-18 months before naturally falling out, though some may remain in place for several years. According to the most recent and highest quality study, short-term tubes (grommet type) usually stay in for 6-12 months, while long-term tubes (T-tubes) can remain for 2-3 years or longer 1. By age 12, many children have outgrown the need for tubes as the Eustachian tube has developed more fully, allowing better natural drainage.
Key Considerations
- If tubes remain in place longer than intended (beyond 2-3 years for standard tubes), they may need to be removed by an ENT specialist to prevent complications like persistent perforation or granulation tissue.
- Parents should follow up with the ENT as recommended, usually every 6-12 months, to monitor the tubes and ensure they're functioning properly or to determine if they've fallen out.
- The child can typically swim and bathe normally, though deep diving should be avoided.
- If the child experiences ear pain, drainage, hearing changes, or persistent ear infections despite the tubes, prompt medical attention is needed. It's essential to note that the duration of ear tubes can vary depending on individual factors, and regular follow-up with an ENT specialist is crucial to ensure the tubes are functioning properly and to prevent potential complications 1.
From the Research
Ear Tube Duration in 12-Year-Olds
- The duration of ear tubes in a 12-year-old can vary, but there is limited direct information available on this specific age group.
- Studies have shown that the effectiveness of ear tubes, also known as tympanostomy tubes, can diminish over time 2.
- A study published in 2005 found that the mean function time of common types of grommets (ear tubes) is around 6 to 12 months 2.
- Another study from 2005 reported on the long-term hearing outcomes of children who received tympanostomy tubes at a young age, but it did not specifically address the duration of the tubes themselves 3.
- More recent research, such as a 2016 study on the use of thermosensitive ciprofloxacin gel for middle ear effusion in children with tubes, does not provide direct information on the lifespan of ear tubes in 12-year-olds 4.
- The studies available focus more on the efficacy and safety of treatments for otitis media with effusion and the hearing outcomes in children who have received tympanostomy tubes, rather than the specific duration the tubes remain effective in older children like 12-year-olds 5, 6.