Current indications for tympanostomy tubes.

Abstract

Current indications for TT placement are (1) persistent SOM that has not responded to a 6 to 12-week course of medical treatment. This includes full and prophylactic doses of antimicrobials (and corticosteroids, as indicated); (2) recurrent AOM (at least three episodes in 6 months or four episodes in 12 months) that does not respond to, or recurs after, antimicrobial prophylaxis; (3) complications of AOM such as meningitis, facial nerve paralysis, coalescent mastoiditis, or brain abscess; and (4) complications of eustachian tube dysfunction such as tympanic membrane retraction with hearing loss, ossicular erosion, and/or retraction pocket formation. It must be emphasized that TT placement in children does not "cure" the condition that led to the surgical intervention. Rather, the TT maintains aeration of the middle ear until the child grows and his eustachian tube function normalizes. These recommendations for TT placement are to be regarded as guidelines, not as absolute requirements. They must be applied individually to each patient and his/her unique situation. Certain factors may influence timing of TT placement and lead to modification of the guidelines as they apply to each child.