A grommet removal is a procedure performed on patients that have previously suffered from fluid build up in the middle ear. Before the removal procedure, individuals must first undergo a procedure known as a grommet insertion, roughly a year prior to the removal. The grommet is a small tube inserted in the eardrum that allows excess fluid to drain from the middle ear and creates an air passage between the middle, inner and outer ear.

Usually one year after the grommet insertion procedure, the grommet has performed its task of fluid drainage and airway passage to stabilize the three parts of the ear. The grommet then naturally slides out of the eardrum, attaches itself to ear wax and typically travels out of the ear canal. If this natural process does not take place inside the ear canal, there is a need for a grommet removal to prevent further complications, such as infection.

Procedure information
During the grommet removal procedure, the patient is placed under a general anesthetic. The doctor will then insert a fine instrument into the ear tube, grab and pull the grommet out. The fine hole left in the ear after the removal of the grommet will close gradually on its own.

Recovery time
After three to four hours in the hospital post grommet removal, patients are usually released to go home. An ear, nose and throat specialist will check the ear tube for any excess bleeding and schedule an appointment for the patient to return in six weeks to make certain the eardrum is completely healed.