Post-Op Instructions for
Ear Tubes & Adenoidectomy
ear tube
1. Ear Pain: expect some mild ear pain after surgery. Use the prescribed medicine, which may be changed to Tylenol as pain subsides (usually 24-28 hours).
unsteadiness
2. Unsteadiness: expect some. This is transient and should resolve in a few days. If dizziness is severe you should contact my office.
bath tub
3. Bath Water: should be kept out of the ears. Use fresh water from the shower head or tap to rinse the hair. Do not submerge the head under bath water. Click here for more information.
swimming pool
4. Chlorinated Pools: swimming is acceptable for most patients. However, diving, swallowing while underwater, and going deep underwater may cause discomfort. Click here for more information.
pond water
5. Contaminated Water: swimming in oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers or streams requires the use of ear plugs and/or head-bands. Do not use Silly Putty! Click here for more information.
caution
6. Frequent Infections: may indicate the need for strict water precautions.
ear drainage
7. Ear Drainage: may occur and is nothing to panic about. Call the office if you see drainage. Click here for more information.
hour glass
8. Duration: Tubes last for 12-18 months on average. Individuals can vary by 6 months on either side of this range.
ear drops
9. Drops: are very important! Use the prescribed ear drops as follows: 4 drops x 4 times daily x 4 days. The first set of drops was instilled at the time the tubes were placed. Click here for more information.
phone
10. Follow Up: call the office to schedule an appointment in 4 weeks. A hearing test will be repeated at this visit to insure improvement or identify problems.
calendar
11. After: the initial follow up visit, patients are seen every 3-6 months until the tubes have extruded, the eardrums are healed and the hearing is normal. Repeat tube placement may be necessary if problems recur.
hamburger
12. Diet: Patients may resume a regular diet as soon as they recover from the anesthesia. Some sore throat may be present from the breathing tube being inserted during surgery. Click here for more information.
thermometer
13. Fever: Call for fever excess of 102 degrees that does not respond to Tylenol. The main reason for fever after surgery is inactivity and failure to clear secretions from the lungs.
heavy lifting
14. Strenuous Activities: should be avoided for the first 48 hours.
blowing the nose
15. Blowing the Nose: Do not blow the nose forcefully for two weeks.
cigarette
16. Do Not Smoke: or be exposed to second hand smoke for two weeks.
sleep
17. Sleep: Keep the head elevated while reclining and sleeping for 24-48 hours.
apple
18. School: Children will typically miss 2-3 days of school.
medicine bottle
19. Recovery: Take medications as prescribed. If nausea occurs, take the prescribed suppositories (note that oral medicines are poorly absorbed when post op nausea occurs). The nausea medicine may also be used 30-45 minutes prior to pain medicine to avoid the nausea side effect that some patients experience with narcotics.