Symptoms of Ear Tubes Falling Out & When to Worry
Symptoms of Ear Tubes Falling Out: What Parents Should Watch For?
“Are ear tubes supposed to come out on their own?” Many parents start asking this question months after their child’s ear tube surgery, especially when ear-related symptoms begin showing up again. A child who was hearing better and getting fewer infections may suddenly start complaining of ear discomfort, asking people to repeat themselves, or becoming unusually irritable.
In most cases, ear tubes naturally fall out as the eardrum heals over time. That process is expected. Still, some children may develop symptoms once the tubes stop working or fall out earlier than anticipated. Understanding which changes are harmless and which ones may need medical attention can help parents feel more prepared and less anxious.
This page discusses the common symptoms of ear tubes falling out, explains how ear tubes fall out naturally, highlights signs of ear infection with tubes, and helps parents understand when it may be time to see a pediatric ENT specialist like Dr. Zainab Arsiwala.
What are Ear Tubes?
Ear tubes, also known as tympanostomy tubes or grommets, are very small tubes placed through the eardrum to allow air to enter the middle ear and reduce fluid buildup behind the eardrum. They are commonly recommended for children who continue to have repeated ear infections, ongoing middle ear fluid, or hearing problems linked to fluid accumulation.
The tubes allow trapped fluid to drain and help improve airflow inside the ear.
How do Ear Tubes fall out?
Parents are often surprised to learn that ear tubes are not permanent.
As the eardrum slowly heals, it naturally pushes the tube outward over time. In many children, the tube falls out on its own within 6 to 18 months. Sometimes parents notice the tiny tube in earwax or on a pillow, while in other cases, it falls out without being seen.
In most situations, this is completely normal and does not require urgent treatment.
Common symptoms of Ear Tubes falling out
Some children remain symptom-free after the tubes fall out. Others may begin developing symptoms again, especially if fluid buildup or infections return.
Signs Parents May Notice
Symptom | What It May Mean |
Reduced response to sound | Fluid may be building again behind the eardrum |
Frequent asking for repetition | Hearing may not be as clear as before |
Ear discomfort or pressure | The middle ear may not be ventilating properly |
Ear drainage | Sometimes linked to an ear infection with tubes |
Balance issues or irritability | Ear pressure can affect comfort and coordination |
Trouble sleeping | Ear discomfort may worsen at night |
Speech changes | Some children become less responsive or verbal |
Returning nasal congestion or mouth breathing | Eustachian tube problems may still be present |
Not every symptom means something serious. However, repeated or persistent symptoms deserve proper evaluation.
Ear infection with tubes: Can it still happen?
Yes. Children can still develop an ear infection with tubes, although infections are often less severe than before surgery. Instead of trapped fluid behind the eardrum, parents may notice drainage coming out of the ear. The drainage can appear yellow, cloudy, or slightly bloody.
Common signs of ear infection with tubes
- Fluid or discharge from the ear that continues for 1–2 days
Many tube-related infections can be managed with antibiotic ear drops instead of repeated oral antibiotics.
Behavior changes after Ear Tubes fall out: What parents notice?
Some families notice temporary behavior changes after ear tubes fall out or after the tubes stop working.
This may happen because hearing levels change again when fluid returns to the ear.
Possible behavior changes
- Becoming unusually cranky or frustrated over small things
- Losing focus more quickly during play, conversations, or daily activities
- Asking “what?” or requesting repetition more often than before
- Speaking louder because hearing may not feel as clear
- Pulling away from conversations or interacting less with others
- Struggling to concentrate during schoolwork or learning activities
In younger children, these behavioral changes sometimes appear before parents notice clear ear-related symptoms.
When should parents worry?
Not every ear symptom is an emergency. Still, there are situations where parents should arrange a pediatric ENT evaluation sooner rather than later.
Seek medical attention if your child has:
- Ear drainage that does not settle or keeps returning
- Repeated ear infections after the tubes have fallen out
- Trouble hearing or not responding normally to sounds
- Delayed speech or noticeable communication changes
- Ongoing ear pain or discomfort
- Fever along with worsening ear symptoms
- Poor balance, dizziness, or unusual unsteadiness
A proper ear examination helps determine whether the ears are healing as expected or if further treatment may be required.
What happens after Ear Tubes fall out?
Many children continue doing well once the tubes fall out and may not need any additional treatment.
However, some children can still develop:
- Recurrent ear infections
- Fluid collecting behind the eardrum again
- Changes in hearing levels
- Ongoing Eustachian tube problems
The next step depends on the child’s symptoms, hearing findings, age, and overall ear health.
In some cases, the ears only need observation and follow-up visits. Other children may benefit from hearing tests, medications, or further treatment if infections or fluid continue returning.
A closer look at Ear Tube recovery and long-term outcomes
| Stage | What Parents Commonly Notice |
| Immediately after surgery | Improved hearing and reduced ear pressure |
| First few months | Fewer infections and better sleep |
| As tubes begin falling out | Some children remain symptom-free |
| If fluid returns | Hearing or behavior changes may reappear |
| Long-term outcome | Many children eventually outgrow recurring ear problems |
Myths and facts about Ear Tubes
|
Why do parents trust Dr. Zainab Arsiwala for Pediatric Ear Care?
Parents often want more than a quick diagnosis. They want to understand why the problem is happening, whether hearing is being affected, and what the safest next step may be for their child.
Ear symptoms do not always return suddenly after ear tube surgery. In many children, the changes happen slowly over time, which can make it difficult for parents to know whether the ears are healing normally or whether another problem is developing.
Because of this, consultations focus on understanding the child’s symptoms carefully, examining the ears thoroughly, and helping families feel clear about the next steps.
What parents value Dr. Zainab Arsiwala for:
- Focused pediatric ENT care for babies, children, and adolescents
- A careful and conservative treatment approach
- Detailed ear and hearing assessments based on the child’s symptoms
- Experience managing repeated ear infections and concerns related to ear tubes
- Child-friendly appointments that help children feel more at ease
- Clear, practical explanations without overwhelming medical terms
- Regular follow-up and monitoring before considering further procedures or surgery
More information about her pediatric ENT services is available on Dr. Zainab Arsiwala Pediatric ENT Dubai.
When ear symptoms start returning, it is best not to wait too long
It is not unusual for some symptoms to return after ear tubes fall out, but ongoing hearing difficulties, repeated infections, or clear changes in a child’s behavior should not be overlooked.
A timely ear evaluation can help determine whether the ears are healing properly or if fluid and pressure are starting to collect again behind the eardrum.
With Dr. Zainab Arsiwala, families are guided through each step with careful pediatric ENT assessment, clear explanations, and treatment plans focused on the child’s hearing, comfort, and overall development.
FAQs
What are the common symptoms of ear tubes falling out?
Many children feel no change when ear tubes fall out on their own. In some cases, parents may notice reduced hearing, frequent ear infections, ear discomfort, disturbed sleep, irritability, or small changes in speech and attention if fluid starts collecting again behind the eardrum.
How do ear tubes fall out naturally?
Ear tubes are made to come out as the eardrum heals. Gradually, the eardrum pushes the tube outward until it reaches the ear canal. This usually happens within 6 to 18 months after the procedure.
Can a child still get an ear infection with tubes?
Yes. A child can still get an ear infection with tubes, but it may be easier to manage. Instead of fluid staying trapped behind the eardrum, parents may see discharge coming out of the ear.
What does ear drainage after tubes mean?
Clear, yellow, cloudy, or slightly blood-stained drainage may point to irritation or infection. If it continues for more than a couple of days, smells unpleasant, or comes with fever or pain, the child should be checked by a pediatric ENT specialist.
Are behavior changes after ear tubes normal?
Some children may seem sensitive to sound after ear tubes. These changes are often related to fluctuating hearing rather than behavior alone.
How can I tell if my child’s hearing is affected again?
Parents may notice the child asking for things to be repeated, keeping the television volume high, not responding when called, or struggling to follow speech in noisy places.
Is it normal if I cannot see the tube after it falls out?
Yes. The tube is very small and often falls out without being noticed. It may come out with earwax, during bathing, or while the child is sleeping.
Do all children need another set of ear tubes?
No. Many children do well after one set of tubes. Some may still develop repeated infections or fluid buildup and may need closer monitoring or further treatment.
When should parents worry after ear tubes fall out?
Parents should arrange an evaluation if the child has repeated infections, ongoing ear drainage, hearing trouble, fever, balance issues, speech regression, or persistent ear pain after the tubes fall out.
Can swimming affect children with ear tubes?
Most children can bathe and swim normally. A few may feel discomfort when water enters the ear, or may get repeated infections after water exposure. In such cases, a pediatric ENT specialist may suggest precautions such as using ear plugs while swimming .
About the author
Dr. Zainab Arsiwala
Dr. Zainab Arsiwala is a fellowship-trained Pediatric ENT Surgeon in Dubai, holding dual DHA licenses in both ENT and Specialist Pediatric ENT, one of the few doctors in the region with this distinction.
She trained at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Dubai, with advanced airway observerships at CHUV (Switzerland) and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (USA). She holds a Fellowship from the European Board of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) and a DNB in ENT.
Currently practising at Tarabichi ENT Institute and JTS Medical Centre, Dubai, she provides evidence-based, child-focused ENT care for conditions ranging from ear infections and hearing loss to complex airway and syndromic cases.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. For personalised advice, diagnosis, or treatment tailored to your condition, book a consultation with Dr. Zainab Arsiwala.
