Middle ear infections are one of the most common childhood health concerns because they often cause pain, hearing loss, and even speech or behavioral issues if left untreated. When infections or fluid buildup become a recurring problem, ear tubes are often recommended to restore proper ventilation in the middle ear.
At ENT Specialists of Austin, our medical team is proud to offer the Tula® System, an innovative option for ear tube placement performed in-office without the need for general anesthesia. This child-friendly approach is helping families across Austin and Central Texas find relief with less stress and faster recovery.
Why Ear Tubes May Be Needed
Children are especially prone to middle ear infections due to their smaller, more horizontal Eustachian tubes. While most infections resolve on their own, chronic infections or persistent fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion) can lead to:
- Hearing loss
- Delayed speech and language development
- Poor school performance
- Sleep disturbances or irritability
- Balance problems
Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) create a small opening in the eardrum to allow fluid to drain and air to circulate, significantly reducing the risk of future infections and helping restore normal hearing. Each year, more than 700,000 America children undergo ear tube placement, making it the one of the most common pediatric surgeries performed in the United States.
The Benefits of Tula In-Office Ear Tubes
Traditionally, ear tube placement required general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center. For many parents, this raises concerns about the risks of anesthesia and the potential for prolonged recovery time. The Tula System offers an alternative:
- No general anesthesia – performed with local numbing medication
- Comfortable, child-friendly experience – children can play, watch videos, and remain with their parents throughout
- Minimally invasive – quick procedure and no hospital stay
- Fast return to activities – most children resume normal playtime the same day
Clinical studies have shown Tula to be safe and effective, with successful tube placement in 87% of children and 95% of parents reporting satisfaction with the experience.
Who Is a Candidate for Tula Ear Tubes?
The Tula System is FDA-approved for patients six months and older who have been recommended tympanostomy tubes by a physician. It’s ideal for children and adults with:
- Recurrent ear infections
- Persistent middle ear fluid causing hearing loss
- Sleep or behavior issues linked to otitis media
Tula may not be suitable for patients with certain ear anatomy issues, allergies to local anesthetics, or those using electrically sensitive medical devices, such as pacemakers. Our ENT specialists will perform a thorough evaluation to ensure this option is safe and effective for you or your child.
The Tula® Difference
The Tula System allows Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctors to comfortably place ear tubes in awake children during an office visit. The system consists of:
- A numbing drug solution
- A specially-designed earplug that keeps the solution in the ear canals and a small device connected to the earplug that uses a very low electric current to transport the medicine to the eardrum
- A specialized tube delivery system
- Tula ear tubes, designed to be similar in size, function, and quality as ear tubes commonly used in the operating room
How Does the Tula Procedure Work?
Step 1.
You and your child will meet the care team and get settled in the doctor’s office. The doctor will examine your child’s ears and size them for the earplugs.
Step 2.
The doctor will fill each ear with the numbing drug solution and place an earplug in each ear to keep the solution in place.
Step 3.
Your child will be quietly occupied for about 10 minutes, while the system uses a very low electrical current to deliver the numbing medicine to the eardrum. Your child may watch videos or play with toys during this time but should not touch the earplugs or cables. Throughout the procedure, you may remain with your child or your child may be seated in your lap.
Step 4.
Once your child’s ear drums are numb, a doctor’s assistant gently holds the child’s head still while the doctor quickly and safely inserts the tubes using a specialized device. In order to minimize the time your child must remain still, the specialized tube delivery system inserts the tube in less than half a second per ear.
Step 5.
Once the doctor has completed both ears, he/she will do one last check, and you and your child are free to go home. The procedure typically lasts about 35 minutes. Most children can return to normal activities right after the insertion of the ear tubes.
Why Choose ENT Specialists of Austin?
Our team includes board-certified otolaryngologists with advanced training in pediatric ENT care. Dr. Daniel Nason, fellowship-trained in pediatric otolaryngology, leads our practice in offering this advanced procedure. ENT Specialists of Austin is one of the few practices in Central Texas that provides Tula in-office ear tube placement for both children and adults.
This means families benefit from our extensive expertise combined with access to a leading-edge option that’s transforming how ear tubes are placed.
Take the Next Step Toward Ear Infection Relief
Don’t let chronic ear infections or fluid buildup interfere with your child’s hearing and development. ENT Specialists of Austin offers compassionate, expert care with advanced options like Tula in-office ear tube placement.
Contact us today in Austin and Cedar Park, TX at (512) 346-7600 to schedule your consultation online to learn whether Tula is right for your family.