Day theatre procedure
About this service
Single ear grommet insertion places a tiny ventilation tube in one eardrum to drain fluid and prevent repeat ear infections, commonly done for children under a short general anaesthetic, and it is offered in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic. When fluid keeps building up behind one eardrum, it can cause hearing difficulty and repeated infections in that ear, and a grommet helps restore normal air pressure and drainage.
The procedure is carried out in our on-site day theatre by a visiting ENT surgeon. Your doctor will assess the affected ear and hearing before recommending a grommet.
What to expect
- Your doctor examines the affected ear and arranges a hearing test to confirm fluid on that side only
- A tiny ventilation tube is placed in the one eardrum under a short general anaesthetic
- The procedure takes only a few minutes, and your child goes home once awake and settled
- Slight discharge from the treated ear in the first few days is normal
- Your doctor will advise on keeping that ear dry and will recheck hearing at follow-up
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Repeated ear infections affecting one ear
- Hearing difficulty linked to persistent fluid behind one eardrum
- A child struggling to hear clearly on one side
- A diagnosis of glue ear affecting a single ear
- Ear pain or pressure in one ear that keeps recurring
Frequently asked questions
Why does my child need a grommet in just one ear?
Sometimes fluid or repeated infection affects only one side. A single grommet treats that ear and leaves the healthy eardrum untouched, and your doctor will confirm this with an examination and hearing test.
How long does a single grommet stay in?
A grommet usually falls out on its own within six to twelve months as the eardrum grows, and the opening closes behind it. If fluid returns after that, your doctor will discuss whether a repeat is needed.
Will a grommet in one ear fix my child's hearing?
If the muffled hearing is caused by fluid behind that eardrum, hearing on that side often improves as soon as the fluid drains. Your doctor will recheck hearing at follow-up to confirm.
For referring doctors
Eastgate Clinic's day theatre in Windhoek hosts visiting ENT surgeons for single ear grommet insertion, 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 grommet insertion (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.