Grommet insertion is a quick day-procedure with minimal recovery. The notes below cover what to expect and the water precautions to follow.
What to expect
Children are usually unsettled briefly after the anaesthetic, then back to themselves within a few hours. Adults may notice a sensation of fullness or popping for the first day or two. A small amount of watery or blood-tinged discharge from the ear in the first 24 hours is normal.
Pain management
Pain is usually minimal. Paracetamol (Panadol) is typically enough if needed.
Eardrops
Antibiotic eardrops are commonly prescribed for the first few days after surgery — use them as directed. If you’ve also been given drops to keep on hand at home for future ear infections, use them at the first sign of discharge and call us if it doesn’t settle within a few days.
Water precautions
While the grommets are in place:
- Use soft moulded earplugs for swimming and bathing
- Avoid diving, jumping in, or putting the head underwater in pools, lakes or the sea
- Showers and hair washing are fine — just keep splashing water out of the ear canal
Bath water and soapy shower water carry bacteria; pool and sea water carry risks associated with pressure as well as infection. Plain clean water in a shower is generally safe.
Activity
Normal activity can resume the next day. Children can return to school the day after surgery.
What to watch for — contact us if the following occurs:
- Persistent or heavy discharge from the ear (especially if mucky, smelly, or with fever)
- New ear pain after the first day
- Hearing not improving over the weeks following surgery
Discharge from the ear after grommets means infection until proven otherwise — start the eardrops if you have them and call the practice during business hours.
