What Are Grommets?

Grommets, or tympanostomy tubes, are small, hollow devices carefully placed in the eardrum to allow air into the middle ear, preventing fluid accumulation. They relieve pressure and drain fluid, addressing conditions like frequent ear infections or hearing difficulties. At ENT Central, our meticulous, minimally invasive approach ensures safe and precise grommet placement, delivering lasting ear health and comfort tailored to each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle.

Grommet insertion procedure

Is This the Right Treatment Option for Me?

Grommet insertion could be the perfect solution if you or your child experience:

  • Repeated ear infections with pain or fever
  • Persistent middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion)
  • Muffled hearing or conductive hearing loss
  • Ear pressure issues during flights or diving
  • Speech delays linked to impaired hearing

A detailed consultation at ENT Central will evaluate your needs and design a customized treatment plan for optimal results.

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Benefits of grommets

What Are the Benefits?

  • Fewer, less severe ear infections
  • Clearer hearing for improved communication
  • Relief from ear pressure and discomfort
  • Swift, minimally invasive procedure with rapid recovery
  • Enhanced speech development in young patients
  • Long-term ear health and improved quality of life

This gentle treatment restores ear function and brings brighter, healthier moments.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

The procedure begins with a detailed ear examination to determine if grommets are necessary. For children, general anesthesia is used, while adults typically receive local anesthesia. Dr. Basheeth then performs a myringotomy—making a small incision in the eardrum to insert a tiny grommet that helps with ventilation. The entire process takes just 15 to 30 minutes at our Palmerston North clinic, offering a safe and efficient treatment that allows most patients to go home the same day.

What to Expect During Recovery

Following grommet insertion, mild ear discomfort or slight discharge may occur, typically fading within 1–2 days. Keeping ears dry during bathing or swimming prevents infections. Most patients resume daily activities within a day, with hearing improvements often immediate. Grommets naturally dislodge within 6–18 months as the eardrum heals, with ENT Central’s follow-up care ensuring continued ear health and monitoring for any issues.

Why Choose Dr. Naveed Basheeth:Expertise in Endoscopic Ear Surgery

Dr. Naveed Basheeth, a dual fellowship-trained ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon, brings global expertise from Cambridge University and Tata Memorial Hospital. His precision in endoscopic ear surgery ensures safe, effective grommet placement, prioritizing patient comfort. At ENT Central, our advanced technology and patient-focused care deliver tailored solutions, restoring ear health with exceptional care in Palmerston North.

Grommets FAQs

How are grommets placed?

Is grommet insertion painful?

How long do grommets remain in place?

Do grommets prevent ear infections?

How are grommets placed?

Under anesthesia, a small eardrum incision is made, and a tiny tube is inserted to ventilate the middle ear, ensuring a quick, safe procedure.

Is grommet insertion painful?

Performed under anesthesia, the procedure is virtually pain-free, with minimal, temporary discomfort during the short recovery phase.

How long do grommets remain in place?

Grommets typically stay for 6–18 months, naturally falling out as the eardrum heals, with rare cases needing surgical removal.

Do grommets prevent ear infections?

Yes, by draining fluid and ventilating the middle ear, grommets significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of ear infections.

Referral Pathway: We provide online consultations within two weeks of referral for out-of-town residents. Relevant investigations, radiological and laboratory, can be undertaken in the patient's city. Private and outsourced referrals can be sent to: admin@entcentral.co.nz (347) 557-8368.
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