How much do grommets cost NZ?

No surgery is cheap, even the simple ones. Tonsillectomies, for example, cost Southern Cross in the range of $4000 to $5900 per claim, and grommets $2000 to $2500.

Do you need an operation for grommets?

Occasionally when the grommet falls out it leaves a small hole in the ear drum, which normally closes up but sometimes doesn’t. This doesn’t usually affect hearing but can occasionally cause infections, in which case it will require an operation to close the hole.

How long does it take to recover from grommet surgery?

You/or your child will require 1 – 2 days/weeks off work/school to allow a full recovery. You/or your child should avoid swimming pool activities/lessons until the postoperative appointment with your MEG ENT Specialist.

Is grommet insertion surgery?

What is a Grommet insertion. A grommet insertion is the placement of a tiny tube into your eardrum. Your ENT surgeon makes a tiny hole in your eardrum and inserts the grommet into the hole. You can expect it to stay in place for six to 12 months until it falls out as your ear gets better.

Can grommets affect speech?

Yes many children do improve after grommets are inserted but even with this improvement we also know that most of these children don’t develop “normal” speech and language skills without some assistance.

Does grommet surgery hurt?

Usually, there’s no pain or soreness. Hearing usually improves right away as well, so don’t be surprised if your child suddenly finds everything too loud! It usually only takes a few days for them to get used to it.

Do grommets improve hearing?

How do they work? In surgery the fluid will be suctioned out and the grommet inserted to allow air to enter the middle ear. Once air can enter the middle ear it improves your child’s hearing by allowing the tiny bones of hearing and the ear drum to move again. Hearing should improve immediately.

Is grommet surgery safe?

Are there any risks? Every operation carries some risk of infection and bleeding, but as the hole in the eardrum is tiny, this risk is very much reduced. Around one in every 100 children may develop a perforated eardrum. If this persists it can be repaired later.

What do you need to know about grommet surgery?

What is grommet surgery? A grommet is a small, plastic tube that sits in the eardrum. It allows air to pass in and out of the ear. This helps to stop the production of fluid that causes glue ear. Why do I need this operation? Grommets are often inserted for a condition called glue ear. Glue ear is when there is fluid behind the ear drum.

How are grommets inserted in the ear drum?

What are grommets? Grommets are also called tympanostomy or ventilation tubes. They are tiny plastic tubes which are inserted into a small slit in your child’s ear drum in a short operation. You can see how tiny a grommet is when it is on an adult finger, or next to a ruler. The following diagram and photo show a grommet in place in an ear drum.

How long does it take for grommets to come out?

In a small number of children, grommets may not come out by themselves within 3 years. If this is the case, your child may need a further brief general anaesthetic to remove the grommets. The decision to remove working grommets must be weighed up against the possible risk of the return of ear infections and glue ear.

How is the grommets operation for hearing loss?

How successful is the grommets operation ? With grommets in place, any hearing loss caused by fluid in the middle ear will get better. Parents often report a better quality of life for their children after grommet insertion with better sleeping and overall behaviour. Who will do the grommets operation?