Advanced Myringotomy & Tympanoplasty
When antibiotics fail to provide lasting relief
Ear Tube Placement in Ambler, PA
For both children and adults, persistent fluid buildup and recurring middle ear infections can cause chronic discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and speech delays. When conservative treatments like antibiotics fail to provide lasting relief, ear tube placement (myringotomy with
tympanostomy tube insertion) is a highly effective solution.
At Greater Philadelphia Ear Specialists, board-certified Otologist Dr. Sean Larner provides specialized, advanced ear care tailored to your unique needs. We serve patients in the north Philadelphia suburbs, offering convenient access for families seeking expert care in Montgomery County, Bucks County, and the North Philly area.
What is Ear Tube Placement?
An ear tube is a microscopic, hollow cylinder inserted directly into the eardrum. The primary functions of an ear tube include:
- Ventilating the Middle Ear: Acting as an artificial Eustachian tube that allows air into the middle ear space.
- Equalizing Pressure: Preventing painful pressure buildup when natural drainage
pathways are blocked. - Draining Fluid: Allowing trapped fluid or mucus to escape, reducing the frequency of ear infections (otitis media).
In-Office Ear Tube Placement for Adults
For adult patients dealing with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction, barotrauma, or recurring fluid retention, Dr. Larner prioritizes efficiency. Over 95% of adults tolerate this procedure well while awake in an office setting.
Benefits of In-Office Ear Tube Placement
- No General Anesthesia: We use a local numbing agent applied directly to the eardrum, eliminating the risks and recovery time of sedation.
- Fast and Simple: The entire process typically takes less than 15 to 20 minutes in our Ambler office.
- Immediate Return to Routine: Patients can safely drive themselves home and return to work or daily activities immediately.
Pediatric Ear Tube Placement
While ear tubes are the most common surgical procedure performed in children, Dr. Larner takes a specialized approach to ensure the highest surgical accuracy and patient comfort.
Why Dr. Larner Performs Pediatric Procedures at an ASC
While some companies market devices (like Hummingbird or Tula) to perform pediatric tube placement in-office, Dr. Larner believes these often fail to address the core needs of the child:
- Precision and Stability: A child who will not sit still for a traditional two-step placement will rarely sit still for one-step devices. Movement during the procedure can compromise safety.
- Addressing Glue Ear: Most children have thick, viscous fluid behind the eardrum. Dr. Larner ensures this fluid is manually suctioned out, a step often skipped by automated devices, to prevent the tube from plugging and to restore hearing immediately.
- Stress-Free Experience: By utilizing a local Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), children receive a light anesthetic via mask ventilation (no intubation or IV necessary). This keeps the child pain-free and prevents emotional trauma.
For parents who strongly wish to avoid general anesthesia, Dr. Larner is happy to discuss if an awake, in-office procedure is appropriate for your child’s specific temperament.
What to Expect: Recovery and Care
Recovery is usually quick, with most patients noticing improved hearing almost immediately.
- Activity: Normal routines, including school or work, can usually resume the day after surgery. Avoid strenuous activity or swimming for the first 24 hours.
- Ear Care: A small amount of clear or slightly bloody drainage is common for 5–7 days. Do not insert cotton swabs into the ear canal.
- Water Safety: Bathing and swimming in chlorinated pools is generally safe without precautions. Use waterproof earplugs for untreated water like lakes or oceans.
- Tube Longevity: Tubes typically stay in place for 6–18 months before falling out naturally.
When to Call Our Office
Contact our office at (215) 383-1333 if you notice:
- Drainage persisting beyond 7 days or becoming foul-smelling.
- Fever over 101°F.
- Severe ear pain or sudden changes in balance.
Ear Tube Placement Frequently Asked Questions
Can adult ear tubes be placed in- office?
Yes. At Greater Philadelphia Ear Specialists, we specialize in local, in-office ear tube placement for adults.
Using a specialized topical numbing agent on the eardrum, Dr. Larner can perform the entire procedure right in our Ambler examination room. Adult patients do not need to fast, can drive themselves to and from the clinic, and typically return to work or normal activities the very same day.
Why do children need to go to an ASC instead of having tubes placed in the office?
While an adult can easily sit still, a child will typically resist or become anxious after the first ear is completed, making it highly unsafe to attempt the second ear while awake. Performing the procedure under light, safe sedation at a local Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) ensures your child remains comfortable and perfectly still, preventing emotional trauma and ensuring the highest level of surgical accuracy.
Do ear tubes have to be surgically removed later on?
In most cases, no. Ear tubes are designed to be temporary.
As the eardrum naturally heals and grows, it slowly pushes the tiny cylinder out into the ear canal. The tube usually falls out on its own within 6 to 18 months, often without the patient even noticing. Dr. Larner will monitor the position of the tubes during regular follow-up appointments.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Larner
If you or your child are struggling with chronic ear pain, recurring infections, or fluctuating hearing loss, specialized care is close to home. Contact Greater Philadelphia Ear Specialists today at (215) 383-1333 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Sean Larner.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic: Ear tubes (Tympanostomy tubes) – Why it’s done, risks, and what you can expect.
- American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS): Clinical Practice Guideline: Tympanostomy Tubes in Children.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sean Larner | Updated on June 1, 2026
This content is strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.