Tympanostomy Tube Selection: A Review of the Evidence

Abstract

Tympanostomy tube (TT) insertion for ventilation of the middle ear is one of most commonly performed procedures in the United States. Indications for tube insertion include otitis media with effusion, recurrent acute otitis media, hearing loss caused by middle ear effusion and persistent acute otitis media. In general, TTs are divided into two categories, short-term tubes and long-term tubes. Depending on the indications for tube placement and surgeon experience with the TT, different tubes can be used. A myriad of tubes have been created since their first documented use in 1845 in attempts to provide better middle ear ventilation, improve ease of placement and prevent complications, such as post-tube otorrhea, persistent perforation and tube occlusion. In order for a tube to be effective, it should be biocompatible with the middle ear to minimize a foreign body reaction. Teflon and silicone remain two of the most commonly used materials in TTs. In addition, the tube design also plays a role for insertion and retention times of TTs. Lastly, TTs can also be coated with various substances, such as silver-oxide, phosphorylcholine and more recently, antibiotics and albumin, in order to prevent biofilm formation and decrease the rate of post-TT otorrhea. Persistent middle ear effusion affects many children each year and can impact their quality of life as well as hearing and language development. With nearly 1 out of every 15 children by the age of 3 years receiving TTs, it is imperative that the right tube be chosen to facilitate optimal ventilation of the middle ear while minimizing complications.