If your child has been referred for grommets surgery, it is completely normal to feel a little worried, even though this is one of the most common procedures performed on children in Australia each year.
This guide explains what glue ear is, why grommets (tiny ear tubes) can help, and what the process usually involves. It is general information only, not personal medical advice, so always talk to your GP or ENT surgeon about your child’s own situation. And if your child ever has a medical emergency, call 000 or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
What Is Glue Ear, and Why Do Grommets Help?
Glue ear happens when sticky fluid builds up behind the eardrum, in the middle ear. It is very common in young children, often following colds or ear infections.
This fluid can muffle sound, making it harder for a child to hear clearly. Left untreated for a long time, it can sometimes affect speech and language development.
Grommets are tiny tubes inserted into the eardrum during a short operation. They let air in and fluid out, helping restore normal hearing while the ear heals. You can read more about healthdirect’s overview of ear infections in children.
Signs That Might Lead to a Referral
Not every case of glue ear needs surgery. But certain signs may prompt your GP to refer your child to a specialist surgeon for assessment.
Parents are often the first to notice something isn’t quite right. Signs worth mentioning to your GP include:
- Not responding when spoken to, or seeming to ignore sounds
- Turning the television or device volume up unusually high
- Delayed speech or unclear pronunciation for their age
- Frequently pulling or rubbing at their ears
- Repeated middle ear infections, or fluid that doesn’t clear after several months
Raising Children Network has helpful guidance on tracking your child’s hearing and speech milestones if you’re unsure what’s typical for their age.
How the Decision for Grommets Surgery Is Made
If your GP suspects glue ear, they will usually refer your child to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon for a proper hearing assessment.
Many children are monitored for a period first, since glue ear often clears on its own. Grommets surgery is generally only considered once hearing loss or infections have persisted.
Your surgeon will explain the benefits, risks and alternatives clearly, as part of the informed consent process, before any elective surgery is booked. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons has useful resources on choosing a RACS-accredited specialist surgeon.
What Happens During the Procedure
Grommets surgery is usually a very quick day procedure, meaning your child goes home the same day rather than staying overnight.
It is performed under a light general anaesthetic, since children need to stay completely still during the operation. The surgeon makes a tiny opening in the eardrum and inserts a small tube, and the whole operation typically takes only a few minutes.
You’ll usually attend a pre-admission clinic beforehand, where the anaesthesia team checks your child’s health and answers any questions. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists has helpful information for parents preparing a child for anaesthesia.
Caring for Your Child After Grommets Are In
Recovery from grommets surgery is usually straightforward. Most children are back to their normal selves within a day or two.
Your surgeon or audiologist will usually arrange a follow-up appointment to check hearing and make sure the grommets are sitting well.
Swimming is often fine with simple precautions, though your surgeon may suggest avoiding diving or getting water deep in the ear canal, at least at first. Some ear discharge or minor discomfort can happen in the first week or so and is usually manageable, but contact your doctor if you’re at all concerned about how your child is recovering.
How Long Do Grommets Stay In, and What Happens When They Fall Out?
Grommets are designed to work their way out naturally as the eardrum grows and heals. Many children’s grommets fall out on their own within roughly six months to a year, though this varies from child to child.
You often won’t notice when they fall out, and it isn’t painful. Your surgeon will let you know what follow-up checks are needed as this happens.
A small number of children need grommets reinserted if glue ear returns. This is something your ENT surgeon can discuss with you during post-operative recovery reviews.
Medicare, Private Health Insurance and Choosing a Surgeon
Grommets surgery can be performed in the public or private hospital system in Australia. Public patients are typically placed on an elective surgery waitlist, with timing depending on clinical urgency.
Choosing the private pathway with health insurance may offer more flexibility over timing and surgeon choice, though it’s worth checking your policy’s waiting periods and any out of pocket costs through informed financial consent discussions beforehand.
A Medicare rebate generally applies to eligible specialist and hospital costs, though gaps may still apply. It’s worth comparing what your private health insurance covers, including any waiting periods, using resources like privatehealth.gov.au before your child’s grommets surgery is booked.
Conclusion
Grommets surgery is a common, generally well-tolerated procedure that can make a real difference for children with persistent glue ear or recurrent ear infections. Understanding what’s involved, from referral to recovery, can help ease some of the natural worry parents feel.
If you think your child might be experiencing hearing or speech difficulties, start by speaking with your GP, who can guide you toward a paediatric ENT surgeon if needed. You can also use surgery.com.au to compare RACS-accredited surgeons across major Australian cities and find one that suits your family.
FAQs
1. Is grommets surgery painful for children?
Most children experience little to no pain from the procedure itself, since it’s done under general anaesthetic. Afterwards, some mild discomfort or an odd sensation in the ear is possible for a day or two, but severe or ongoing pain isn’t typical. Speak with your surgeon or GP if your child seems unusually distressed afterwards, or if the discomfort doesn’t settle.
2. How long does grommets surgery take?
The operation itself is usually very quick, often around ten to fifteen minutes, which is why it’s typically done as day surgery. Your child will still need time in a recovery area afterwards before going home. Your surgical team can give you a more precise idea based on your child’s situation.
3. Will my child need a hearing test before grommets surgery?
Yes, a hearing assessment is a standard part of the referral and decision-making process. It helps confirm whether glue ear is affecting hearing enough to justify surgery. Your GP or ENT surgeon will arrange this as part of your child’s work-up.
4. Can grommets fall out too early or cause complications?
Occasionally grommets can fall out earlier than expected, or in rare cases need to be reinserted if glue ear returns. Complications are uncommon but, as with any surgery, your surgeon will explain the possible risks during informed consent. Contact your doctor if you notice ongoing discharge or pain.
5. How much does grommets surgery cost in Australia?
Costs vary depending on whether your child is treated in the public or private system, and whether you have private health insurance. Medicare rebates may apply to eligible specialist and hospital fees. Your surgeon’s rooms can provide a personalised quote and explain any out of pocket costs beforehand.