EMMI - Myringotomy

Taking your child to the hospital for a myringotomy can be a little overwhelming. These articles can lessen the stress by helping you and your child learn more about how the ear works, common ear infections, and what goes on in the operating room.

Middle Ear Infections
Ear infections are one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood illnesses in the United States, with more than three out of four children having had at least one ear infection by 3 years of age.

Middle Ear Infections and Ear Tube Surgery
Although middle ear infections are relatively easy to treat, if a child has had multiple ear infections that don't get better easily or has evidence of hearing loss or speech delay, a doctor may suggest ear tube surgery (also called bilateral myringotomy and tubes, or BMT).

Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal caused by many types of bacteria or fungi. Read this article to find out how to prevent it in your child.

Hearing Evaluation in Children
Many parents worry about their child's hearing, especially if he or she is too young to talk. Usually there's no need for concern, but it's comforting to know that hearing may be evaluated at any age.

How to Talk to Your Child's Doctor
Building a relationship with your child's doctor requires communication and reasonable expectations.

Preparing Your Child for Surgery
Adequate preparation can help your child feel less anxious about undergoing surgery. Kids of all ages cope much better if they have an idea of what's going to happen and why it's necessary.

Let's Hear It for the Ear!
Now hear this! Here's a great article about ears. Find out how your amazing ears do their amazing job.

What Is an Ear Infection?
A middle ear infection happens when germs like bacteria and viruses get in your middle ear and cause trouble. Find out more with this article for kids.

Swimmer's Ear
You swam! You splashed! And now you have it: swimmer's ear.

Going to the Audiologist
When a kid has trouble hearing, an audiologist can help. That's a person specially trained to understand how hearing works and to help kids who don't hear normally.

Going to the Hospital
It may seem scary to go to a hospital, but doctors and nurses are there to help people who are sick or hurt feel better. Read this article for kids to find out what happens inside a hospital.

What Happens in the Operating Room?
Surgeries and operations happen in the operating room, sometimes called the OR. Find out more in this article for kids.

Swimmer's Ear
External otitis, commonly called swimmer's ear, is an infection of the ear canal caused by different types of bacteria or fungi.

What's It Like to Have Surgery?
Knowing what to expect with surgery before you get to the hospital can make you less anxious about your surgical experience - and less stress helps a person recover faster.