Is bleeding from the ear canal normal with ear tubes?
Most of the time, bleeding signifies a reaction of the eardrum to the tube. The tubes are made of materials resembling silicone or plastic. The eardrum may react to the tube by creating granulation tissue (small blood vessels). This tissue may bleed. Start on the ear drops. They contain a steroid solution which will usually control the granulation tissue. If seven days of drops fail to solve the problem, or you are concerned that something else is going on, schedule an appointment to see us or your primary care doctor. But keep your cool, it is not usually a sign of a serious condition. What happens if water or other fluid gets into the ear when tubes are in place? Usually nothing. The fluid drains out, just like it drained in. Sometimes, the fluid may set up an inflammatory condition around the tube or in the middle ear lining. If the ear starts to drain profusely or drainage persists for more that a few hours, start back on the antibiotic/steroid ear drops. Again, use them (four drop
