Are water and tympanotomy tubes compatible?

Abstract

Traditionally, patients with tympanotomy tubes area admonished not to get water in ;their ears so that ear infections will not occur. This study reviews 100 children during the past three years who were given instructions to allow bath and shower water to get into their ears, and who were allowed to swim as long as they used polymyxin/neomycin/hydrocortisone ear drops at night after swimming. Only rarely did problems arise, and these were easily managed. No long-term harmful effects occurred. In addition, earplugs, swimming and shower caps, and special tympanotomy tubes are not needed to prevent ear infections. Water and tympanotomy tubes are compatible.