After having ear tubes inserted, the occurrence of fluid build up in the inner ear will be dramatically reduced. This will result in a decrease in pain, an improvement in the ability to hear, and in young children will help improve speech.
In most cases, the ears will need to be protected from water until the tubes fall out naturally, which usually happens 6 to 18 months after surgery, and the hole in the ear closes completely. This can be done with earplugs to allow swimming and water activities. Your surgeon may recommend that earplugs be used in the shower as well.
Sources:
Ear Infections: Facts For Parents About Otitis Media. National Institutes of Health. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/otitismedia.asp
Ear Tubes. Alan Greene, MD http://www.drgreene.com/21_550.html
Ear Tubes. John P. Cunha, DO http://www.medicinenet.com/ear_tubes/article.htm
