Day theatre procedure
About this service
Single ear tube myringotomy is a day-theatre procedure in which a small incision is made in one eardrum to drain fluid and relieve pressure, usually performed as a quick procedure under a visiting ENT surgeon, and it is offered in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic. It is commonly needed when fluid builds up behind one eardrum, causing hearing difficulty, discomfort, or repeated infections in that ear. Draining the fluid relieves pressure and can bring quick relief.
The procedure is carried out in our on-site day theatre under a short general anaesthetic. Your doctor will assess the affected ear and advise if this procedure is the right option.
What to expect
- Your doctor checks the affected ear and compares it with the other side, sometimes with a hearing test
- Under a short general anaesthetic, a tiny cut is made in the one eardrum to let the fluid drain
- Because only one ear is treated, the procedure is usually over in minutes
- A little discharge from the treated ear in the first day or two is normal
- Your doctor advises on keeping the ear dry and reviews the eardrum at follow-up
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Hearing difficulty linked to fluid behind one eardrum
- Repeated infections affecting a single ear
- Ear pain or pressure in one ear that has not improved with other treatment
- A diagnosis of fluid or glue ear affecting one side
- A child struggling to hear clearly in one ear
Frequently asked questions
Why would only one ear need a myringotomy?
Fluid or infection sometimes builds up behind just one eardrum, causing muffled hearing or pain on that side. Treating only the affected ear avoids an unnecessary procedure on a healthy eardrum.
Does the eardrum heal after a single ear myringotomy?
Yes. The incision is tiny and usually closes by itself within days to a few weeks. Your doctor will check the eardrum at follow-up to confirm it has healed and the fluid has not returned.
How quickly does hearing improve after fluid is drained from one ear?
Many patients notice clearer hearing on that side almost immediately once the fluid is released. A follow-up hearing check confirms the improvement and picks up any fluid that comes back.
For referring doctors
Eastgate Clinic's day theatre in Windhoek hosts visiting ENT surgeons for single ear 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 (single ear)?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.