Ear Tubes Specialist in Austin & Cedar Park, TX

When fluid builds up behind the eardrum and won’t go away, it may start to affect your child’s hearing and speech development. The fluid also leads to recurrent ear infections for some children. In these cases where medical management doesn’t clear up the issue, tubes are recommended.

 Ear tubes usually result in:

There are 2 pathways to tube placement:

– Historically, ear tubes are placed under general anesthesia in an operating room. This involves anesthesia delivered to your child with only a gas mask. IV’s and breathing tubes are not typically needed. To begin the operation, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in your child’s eardrum. Then, they remove any fluid buildup inside the middle ear. Finally, they place the tube inside the hole in the eardrum. The entire procedure takes about 5 minutes.

– We are now performing in-office ear tube placement for pediatric patients using the TULA system. This is a revolutionary procedure for children aged 6 months and older. In the office, the ear canals and eardrums of the patient are anesthetized for 10 minutes after which the tube can be placed in just a few minutes. The patient is able to leave the office immediately and enjoy their day.

What Happens After Ear Tube Placement Surgery?

After recovery, you can usually take your child home within a few hours if there are no complications. Your ENT specialist provides you with all necessary aftercare instructions and schedules your follow-up appointments.

Your child can rest at home for a day and resume normal activities after that. They may need to use earplugs to go swimming.

Ear tubes usually stay in place for 6-9 months while the eardrum heals around them. Then, the tubes naturally fall out on their own.

If your child seems to have recurring ear troubles or problems hearing, make an appointment for a professional evaluation at ENT Specialists of Austin online or over the phone.

Comparing Traditional Ear Tubes vs. Tula In-Office Ear Tubes

Both traditional and in-office tube placements aim to relieve chronic fluid buildup and ear infections, but the experience is quite different. Traditional surgery is done in an operating room under general anesthesia, which can be necessary for younger children or those with complex needs. The newer Tula® in-office system uses local anesthesia and specialized equipment to numb the ear, making it possible to place tubes without putting a child to sleep. For many families, this approach offers a faster, lower-stress experience with no recovery time from anesthesia.

How Ear Tubes Help Improve Hearing & Prevent Infections in Children

When fluid sits behind the eardrum for too long, it dulls hearing and can interfere with speech development. It also creates a warm, moist environment ideal for recurring infections. Ear tubes allow air into the middle ear and give trapped fluid a way to drain out. This ventilation restores hearing and reduces the risk of frequent or severe infections. Over time, ear tubes can lead to better school performance, fewer doctor visits, and a noticeable improvement in your child’s comfort and well-being.

Do Ear Tubes Have Any Long-Term Effects on Hearing?

Ear tubes are designed to fall out on their own once the eardrum has healed. For most children, there are no long-term effects on hearing. In fact, many children experience improved hearing once fluid buildup is relieved. Rarely, a small portion of children may need a second set of tubes if problems return. Our ENT specialists will monitor your child’s progress to ensure proper healing and long-term ear health.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Ear Tubes?

If your child has had multiple ear infections within a few months or fluid that lingers despite antibiotics, it may be time to consider tubes. Signs include trouble hearing, delayed speech, frequent tugging at the ears, or balance problems. If you’re unsure, a hearing test and examination by our pediatric ENT can help determine whether your child is a candidate.

Can Adults Also Receive Ear Tubes for Chronic Ear Infections?

Yes—ear tubes aren’t just for children. Adults with chronic middle ear infections, barotrauma from flying or diving, or persistent fluid buildup may also benefit. The procedure is similar and can often be performed in the office. If you frequently experience clogged ears or ear pain, an ENT evaluation can help uncover the cause and explore whether ear tubes are the most appropriate treatment.

Why Choose ENT Specialists of Austin for Ear Tubes?

Choosing the right ENT care for your child (or yourself) makes a difference in outcomes and peace of mind. At ENT Specialists of Austin, our team brings specialized experience to every procedure. Dr. Robert Nason is fellowship-trained in pediatric otolaryngology and offers expert, compassionate care for even the youngest patients.

We are also one of the few practices in Central Texas offering Tula® in-office ear tube placement for both children and adults.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If your child struggles with chronic ear infections or fluid buildup, it’s time to find answers. ENT Specialists of Austin offers leading-edge care, including ear tubes and in-office Tula ear tube placement. Contact us at (512) 346-7600 to schedule a consultation.