DO NOT allow water to enter the ear after surgery. When showering or washing the hair, cotton covered with Vaseline may be placed in the outer part of the ear.

For long-term water protection, ear plugs are more convenient and work well. They may be purchased at any Pharmacy. Ear plugs may be used for showering, bathing, and swimming. Diving and deep swimming are not recommended.

Ear plugs are probably not necessary for casual water exposure from routine bathing as long as water is not poured directly into the ear or the head is not totally submerged in water.

The patient may anticipate a certain amount of pulsation, popping, clicking, and other sounds in the ear. A feeling of fullness or occasional sharp pain are not unusual in the early postopertive period. Paracetamol should be sufficient for any discomfort.

If ear drops are prescribed after surgery, use them as advised.

If you have ear drops for pain, please throw them away. These drops will burn the middle ear tissue while the tubes are in place.

If tubes are placed without adenoidectomy, many children feel good enough to play several hours after surgery. Most can go to school or childcare the day after they are discharged from the hospital.

If an adenoidectomy is performed in conjunction with ventilation tubes, the patient may have a blood-tinged nasal discharge for the next day or two. Contact the nearest health center or the hospital where the operation was performed, if brisk bleeding is not easily controlled with pressure in 20 minutes. The patient should be able to tolerate a regular diet.

Please come for follow up to the hospital as advised.

Contact the hospital or the nearest health center and report any:

• excessive bleeding from the ear or bloody discharge after the first 48 hours
• sticky or discolored ear drainage after the first 48 hours
• temperature above 101º F
• dizziness, confusion, or extreme drowsiness after first 24 hours