Our Summary

This research paper is a review of the data available on whether inserting a ventilation tube into the ear can help relieve the feeling of fullness in the ear, a common symptom of Ménière’s disease. Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can lead to dizziness and hearing loss. The researchers look at various databases to find relevant studies. However, they only found two studies that directly measured whether the tube could help with this feeling of fullness. Other studies looked at this feeling as a secondary symptom while studying something else. The studies they found had mixed results and didn’t agree with each other. Therefore, the researchers concluded that there is not enough evidence to say whether inserting a ventilation tube can help with this symptom. They hope their work will guide future research on this topic.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of inserting a ventilation tube into the ear in relation to Ménière’s disease?
  2. How many studies did the researchers find that directly measured the impact of a ventilation tube on the feeling of fullness in the ear?
  3. What conclusion did the researchers draw about the effectiveness of inserting a ventilation tube to relieve the feeling of fullness in the ear?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing ear tube surgery to avoid getting water in their ears, especially while swimming or bathing, to prevent infection. They may also advise the patient to follow up with their doctor regularly to monitor the effectiveness of the procedure and to address any concerns or complications that may arise. Additionally, the doctor may recommend using earplugs or other protective measures in situations where there is a risk of water entering the ears.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for ear tube surgery are those who have frequent ear infections, fluid build-up in the middle ear, hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear, or persistent ear pain. Additionally, individuals with conditions such as chronic otitis media, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or recurrent acute otitis media may also be recommended for ear tube surgery. It is important for patients to consult with an otolaryngologist to determine if ear tube surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

  • Before ear tube surgery:
  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, and pressure or fullness in the ears.
  2. Patient consults with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who recommends ear tube surgery as a treatment option.
  3. Pre-operative consultations and tests are conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and suitability for surgery.
  4. Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care and preparation for the surgery.
  • After ear tube surgery:
  1. Surgery is performed to insert the ventilation tube into the eardrum to help drain fluid and equalize pressure in the middle ear.
  2. Patient may experience temporary discomfort, drainage, or mild dizziness after the surgery.
  3. Patient is discharged home the same day with post-operative care instructions, including keeping the ear dry and avoiding activities that may increase pressure in the ears.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess the effectiveness of the surgery in relieving symptoms.
  5. Over time, the ventilation tube may naturally fall out or need to be removed by an ENT specialist, depending on the patient’s condition.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of ear tube surgery and how does it work?
  2. Am I a good candidate for ear tube surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with ear tube surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of ear tube surgery in relieving symptoms of Ménière’s disease, specifically the feeling of fullness in the ear?
  5. How long do ear tubes typically stay in place and what is the process for removing them?
  6. Will I need to follow any special precautions or restrictions after ear tube surgery?
  7. What are the alternative treatment options for relieving the feeling of fullness in the ear associated with Ménière’s disease?
  8. How long can I expect it to take for me to notice an improvement in my symptoms after ear tube surgery?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery and what will those appointments entail?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or modifications I should consider making to help manage my symptoms after ear tube surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sevilla C, Goody J, Baguley DM, Kasbekar AV. Journal: J Laryngol Otol. 2019 Jun;133(6):450-456. doi: 10.1017/S002221511900094X. Epub 2019 Jun 7. PMID: 31172892