Myringotomy is a surgical procedure during which an incision is made in the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to allow a fluid-filled middle ear to drain. Ear tubes are usually inserted in the ear to allow fluid to continue to drain (tympanostomy). This procedure is often recommended for children between the ages of six months and 2 years who suffer from recurring ear infections (otitis media) or hearing loss due to fluid buildup.

Inserting the tubes has a number of potential benefits, including:

• Allowing air to reach the middle ear
  
  
• Draining fluid from the middle ear through the tubes, and out into the ear canal
  
  
• Restoring diminished hearing by clearing fluid from the middle ear
  
  
• Preventing additional fluid buildup in the middle ear
  
  
• Decreasing pain in the ears by reducing the feeling of pressure

Patients who undergo myringotomy feel little or no pain during this outpatient procedure, and recovery is usually fast. Tubes typically remain in the ears for six to 18 months before falling out on their own.