- Grommets are often used for children/tamariki who have glue ear(external link) or lots of ear infections.(external link)
- Grommets are placed in the ear during a brief (10–15 minute) operation by a specialist surgeon done under general anaesthetic.
- A small incision in the eardrum is made and a grommet is put in place to hold it open and allow drainage.
- Usually, grommets will stay in place for 6–18 months and drop out by themselves.
- Parents generally report an immediate improvement in their child's hearing, and sleeping, and general behaviour can also improve.
- Some children need the procedure to be repeated if they are continuing to have ear problems.
To learn more about grommets, go to KidsHealth.(external link)(external link)