Using this guide What's covered
Here you’ll find the answers to many of your questions about the insertion of grommets. Learn how it works, what it may cost, what your recovery may be like, and more.
To see how it’s done view our animation below. For personal insights, see our patient experience videos in which HCF members talk frankly about their preparation, procedure and recovery.
Cost indicator
Discover the typical out-of-pocket costs HCF members can expect to pay for insertion of grommets, and learn how your choice of doctor and hospital affect that cost.
The basics
What are grommets?
Grommets are tiny plastic ventilation tubes that are rimmed at the end. They’re inserted into the eardrum to equalise pressure in the ear.
Why is it done?
The middle ear is normally air-filled and is typically at the same pressure as the outer ear, on the other side of the ear drum, because air pressure is equalised via a small ventilation tube called the Eustachian Tube. When this tube is blocked or not working properly, patients can get problems with their eardrum or fluid can accumulate in the middle ear. Glue ear (thick fluid trapped in the middle ear) or recurrent middle ear infections are the most common reasons that grommets are inserted. Children are most often affected, but adults can be too.
Because grommets allow air in from the outside, enabling fluid and mucus to drain normally, they improve hearing immediately and help to prevent repeated ear infections.
Glue ear
Glue ear is a chronic ear condition, common in young children, in which thick mucus collects within the middle ear. Because the middle ear is normally filled with air instead of fluid, hearing is often affected.
Where is it done?
As a day patient in either a day surgery or hospital.
How long does it take?
Usually around 10-15 minutes.
Who's involved?
- Your ear, nose and throat surgeon
- Anaesthetist
- Nurses
The details
CONSIDERING THE PROCEDURE
Treatments to consider before opting for grommets
Non-surgical options that may delay the need for grommets.
Learn more
Results vs risks of the procedure
The benefits and potential complications of grommets.
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Choosing a specialist
How to find a surgeon who specialises in your procedure.
Learn more
PREPARATION
Questions for the surgeon and anaesthetist
What you should be asking before going ahead with the procedure.
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Preparing for the procedure
Pre-operative tests and how to prepare your child for grommet insertion.
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Anaesthetic options
The type of anaesthetic you may be offered.
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PROCEDURE
Going to hospital
What to expect on the day of the procedure.
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Your procedure
What happens in the operating theatre.
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RECOVERY AND AFTERCARE
After the procedure
Pain relief and more.
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Aftercare
Precautions following grommet insertion.
Learn more
Patient experiences
HCF members who've had grommets talk about their preparation, procedure and recovery.
View videos
Coping with hearing impairment
Children with a hearing impairment talk about how they deal with it at school and in their everyday lives.
View videos
Give us feedback
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know what you liked or what we can do to improve it. We'd love to hear from you.
To provide feedback, email us at wellbeing@hcf.com.au.
Related articles
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SECOND OPINION
Eligible HCF members can get a free second opinion on their health condition from a certified, practising medical specialist.
Important information
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.
