How to Clean an Ear Drain Tube
Chronic ear infections can be problematic in adults and children. To remedy this problem, patients may have opt drainage tubes surgically inserted into the ear drum (the procedure is called a myringotomy). Tympanostomy tubes require little to no maintenance once inserted.
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Things You'll Need
- Cortisporin ear drops (prescription)
- Vasocidin drops (prescription)
- Cotton balls
Instructions
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Postsurgery
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1
Warm the bottle of Cortisporin (or generic equivalent) ear drops by rolling the bottle between the palms of your hands for several minutes. Cock your head and allow the tip of the bottle to rest at the ear opening.
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2
Place three drops in each ear. Repeat three to four times a day for the first three days after surgery to prevent infection and keep the middle ear and eardrum clean.
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3
Continue to use the drops three times a day until you return to your physician for postsurgical checkup. If draining continues after your checkup, continue using the drops three times a day until draining has stopped.
Maintenance
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4
Once the draining has stopped, use Vasocidin drops to sanitize and ward off infection when the inside of the ear comes in contact with water.
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5
Warm the Vasocidin drops by rolling the bottle between your palms for several minutes. Place several drops in each ear. You should use the Vasocidin drops only as needed. Ideal times to use these drops include after swimming or when the ears have been completely immersed in water, to prevent infection and blockage. Use several drops in each ear.
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6
Place cotton balls gently in ear opening during times of draining to soak up fluid. The drops and cotton balls will prevent fluid from resting or clogging the canal and leading to blocked tubes.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Sometimes doctors caution against swimming or immersing the the ears in water while the tubes are in place. Consult your physician and consider wearing ear plugs for swimming or diving.
Never insert anything into the ear.
Do not attempt to remove tubes to clean them.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
