Day theatre procedure
About this service
Bilateral ear tube myringotomy is a day-theatre procedure in which a small incision is made in each eardrum to drain fluid and relieve pressure, performed under a visiting ENT surgeon, and it is offered in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic. It is commonly needed when fluid builds up behind both eardrums, causing hearing difficulty, ear pain, or repeated infections that have not settled with other treatment. Draining the fluid relieves pressure and can improve hearing quickly.
The procedure is carried out in our on-site day theatre under a short general anaesthetic. Your doctor will assess both ears and advise if this procedure, with or without tube insertion, is appropriate.
What to expect
- Your doctor examines both eardrums and may arrange a hearing test before booking
- A short general anaesthetic is used, and the surgeon makes a tiny incision in each eardrum to release the trapped fluid
- The procedure itself is usually very quick, often just a few minutes
- Mild ear discomfort or slight discharge afterwards can be normal
- Hearing often improves as soon as the fluid is drained, and a follow-up check confirms both ears have settled
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Hearing difficulty linked to fluid behind both eardrums
- Repeated ear infections affecting both ears
- Ear pain or pressure that has not improved with other treatment
- A diagnosis of glue ear or middle ear fluid on both sides
- A child struggling to hear clearly at school or at home
Frequently asked questions
What is a bilateral myringotomy?
It is a small incision made in each eardrum to release fluid trapped in the middle ear. Draining both sides at once relieves pressure and often improves hearing straight away. The incisions heal on their own.
Is a myringotomy in both ears the same as grommets?
Not quite. A myringotomy drains the fluid, while grommets are tiny tubes left in the eardrum to keep it ventilated. The visiting ENT surgeon may add grommets if the fluid is likely to return.
Should I book my child for a myringotomy directly or see a GP first?
Book a consultation in our rooms first. Our doctor will examine both ears and, if fluid is confirmed, coordinate the procedure with the visiting ENT surgeon in our on-site day theatre.
For referring doctors
Eastgate Clinic's day theatre in Windhoek hosts visiting ENT surgeons for bilateral myringotomy, with anaesthetist and theatre staff provided on site. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your ear tube myringotomy (both ears)?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.