Your initial consultation

Before surgery
You/your child will be sent for a hearing test before proceeding with surgery.
Your anaesthetist may also contact you before surgery to discuss any medical issues.
Our practice manager/ the hospital will give you clear instructions regarding when to start fasting before surgery.
The surgery
Grommets are surgically inserted under general anaesthesia for children and most adults. Occasionally, surgery on adults may be performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation. The procedure is typically performed in a day surgery, unless it is performed in conjunction with other procedures.
During surgery, an operating microscope will be used to inspect the air drum. Then, a small cut is made in the eardrum, and the fluid in the middle ear is suctioned out. The grommet is then inserted. The grommet creates a channel that allows air to be ventilated through into the middle air. This helps prevent middle ear infections and drains any residual fluid.
After surgery
Patients can return home on the same day, after they have recovered from the anaesthetic. However, if grommet placement has been combined with other procedures, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
Recovery
Children should minimise their activities for the first 24 hours and have an adult with them at all times until they fully recover.
Recovery from grommet insertion surgery is relatively quick, with children returning to school or childcare the following day. Adults can typically return to work the following day.
Paracetamol may be required for the first day or two, but pain is typically not significant after this procedure.
You may be given antibiotic eardrops to use for the first week following surgery. Please use them as prescribed.
Nausea or vomiting in children is normal after surgery. If your child does feel nauseous or vomit, avoid giving them food for approximately one hour. If the nausea and vomiting do not pass, please call the surgery or seek medical attention immediately.
Avoiding water
Please keep the ear canals dry for the first two weeks after surgery.
When bathing or showering, place a small piece of cotton wool with a smear of Vaseline over the outer surface of the ear. Throw away the cotton wool after bathing. Alternatively, you can place earplugs into the opening of the ear/s. Keep your child’s head above water at all times when in the bath.
Costs
Before proceeding, our practice manager will provide you with written documentation of all costs associated with your procedure. These costs will include your surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee and hospital fees. Claiming from your health insurance fund will also be explained to you.
Risks & potential complications
All surgery carries risks, and it is important to be aware of these risks before proceeding. However, grommet placement is considered a relatively safe procedure with a low risk of serious complications.
Potential risks include:
Infection
Ear discharge
Early extrusion
Perforation of the eardrum
Polyp formation and bleeding
Recurrence of glue ear or middle ear infection
Scarring or thinning of the air drum at the site of the grommet
Retained grommet
The grommet falls into the middle ear (extremely rare)
Your follow-up appointment
Dr Padhye usually likes to see his patients approximately six weeks after grommet insertion surgery. Our practice manager will coordinate the date with you before surgery.
If you have any further questions before or after surgery, please feel free to call our clinic; we’re always here to help.