Pressure-equalizing tubes typically remain in place for about how long before spontaneous extrusion?

Pressure-equalizing tubes typically remain in place for about how long before spontaneous extrusion?

• A. 6 months
• B. 1 year
• C. 2–3 years
• D. 4–5 years

Answer: (C)

Tympanostomy (pressure-equalizing) tubes are temporary pathways that ventilate the middle ear during problems like recurrent otitis media with effusion. They stay in the tympanic membrane until the membrane grows around the tube and it is shed spontaneously. The duration depends on the tube type, with short-term tubes typically extruding in about 6–12 months, and long-acting tubes lasting longer. About 2–3 years is a common time frame for these longer-acting tubes to remain in place before they spontaneously extrude, though there is individual variation. After extrusion, the tympanic membrane usually heals without lasting problems.

Tympanostomy (pressure-equalizing) tubes are temporary pathways that ventilate the middle ear during problems like recurrent otitis media with effusion. They stay in the tympanic membrane until the membrane grows around the tube and it is shed spontaneously. The duration depends on the tube type, with short-term tubes typically extruding in about 6–12 months, and long-acting tubes lasting longer. About 2–3 years is a common time frame for these longer-acting tubes to remain in place before they spontaneously extrude, though there is individual variation. After extrusion, the tympanic membrane usually heals without lasting problems.