Display Patient Information Leaflets

Date issued: November 2024

For review: November 2026

Ref: A-653/TA/ENT/Grommets

PDF: Grommets (Tavistock Hospital)[pdf] 218KB

Pain

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen may be taken for pain.

What to expect following surgery

A little dried blood may be seen around the ears.

For the first two weeks following surgery:

1. The ears may be a little moist; this is normal.

2. Expect the hearing to return to normal after a few days.

3. If there is pain, bleeding, persisting or profuse discharge, or on-going hearing loss, please contact your GP. practice.

Bathing, Showering and Hair Washing

1. After Myringotomy without grommet insertion, keep the ears dry for a week.

2. After grommet insertion, water, soap and shampoo must be kept from entering the ears. Use cotton wool with Vaseline in your ears or earplugs. You will need to continue this until the grommets are rejected.

Swimming

After Myringotomy alone, swimming may re-start one week after the operation unless the ears are painful or discharging (see above).

After grommet insertion, swimming may re-start six weeks after the operation. Providing there have been no problems. The ears should be protected by ear plugs or a swimming cap (preferably both), however no diving or underwater swimming should be allowed until the grommets are rejected.

Problems

If non-urgent problems occur in the first 72 hours and you need information or advice:

• Please ring Tavistock Hospital on 01752 436100

• Out of hours: Contact NHS 111

• After 72 Hours: Contact your own GP or 111

• If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, heat, odorous discharge or pain, please contact your G.P. If you do develop an infection within two weeks of your surgery, please let us know by calling 01752 436100.

In an emergency

Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.