Grommets for glue ear
Having grommets fitted is a minor operation that is an effective treatment for glue ear and for improving your hearing.
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What is it for?
For the treatment of glue ear
Treatment overview
At AOA体育平台, we offer surgery to fit grommets. The procedure is performed by one of our surgeons who specialise in the treatment of conditions affecting your ear, nose or throat.
In most cases, having grommets fitted is a minor operation that takes between 15 and 30 minutes.
This means you will have them fitted and be able to leave the hospital on the same day.
The procedure is usually done under general anaesthetic, so you won鈥檛 be conscious during the operation.
Typically, you won鈥檛 be allowed to eat or drink for a few hours before the operation.
During the operation, your surgeon will make a small incision into your eardrum before inserting a small tube to draw out the fluid that has collected.
Once this is done, they will fit a grommet into one or both ears, if both are affected.
After this has been done, your surgeon may apply steroid eardrops into the ear to prevent swelling and infection.
Why choose AOA体育平台
Excellence in one place
AOA体育平台, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Supported by the latest treatments, expert guidance, and a comfortable recovery environment in our patient rooms, you'll have everything you need to regain your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. We鈥檒l be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs, including healthy and delicious meals designed to support your recovery. We keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it鈥檚 your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve.
What's included in your package?
Choosing AOA体育平台 means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That鈥檚 why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us. To help you manage the cost, we also offer a 0% finance option, allowing you to spread the payments for your treatment over 12 months with no added interest. Learn more about our .
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you鈥檙e paying for yourself, we have 0% finance options available with Chrysalis. Find out more .
FAQs
Once you鈥檝e woken up from the operation, you鈥檒l need to rest for a few hours while the effects of the anaesthetic pass.
Side effects to the operation are usually mild and can include slight earache and bloodstained discharge from your ear which your doctor may prescribe painkillers to help you cope with.
You鈥檒l also be given advice for caring for your ears, and will usually be asked to come back so that the doctor can check that the operation was successful.
You should stay at home for a day or two after the operation so that you can avoid coming into contact with germs that may cause coughs or colds.
Your doctor will usually advise you to avoid immersing your head in water for at least two weeks after the procedure.
After that period, you鈥檒l usually be recommended to wear earplugs if you have a bath or go swimming.
Once your grommets have been fitted, they will usually fall out of your ear after around 6 to 12 months.
The hole in the eardrum that has been made for the grommet heals naturally very quickly once the grommet has fallen out.
Occasionally you may need more than one set of grommets to be fitted if you have recurring bouts of glue ear.