What is the medical term for ear tubes surgically placed to help drain fluid in otitis media?

The medical term for ear tubes surgically placed to help drain fluid in cases of otitis media is tympanostomy tubes. These tubes are inserted through the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to allow for the equalization of pressure in the middle ear and to facilitate drainage of any accumulated fluid. This procedure is particularly beneficial for children who experience recurrent ear infections, as it can reduce the frequency of these infections and alleviate associated symptoms such as pain and hearing loss.

Unlike terms such as myringotomy tubes and pressure equalization tubes, which may refer to similar concepts, tympanostomy specifically describes the surgical insertion and function of the tubes in the treatment of otitis media. While ear ventilators is a less commonly used term and not widely recognized in the medical community, it may refer to tubes that serve an analogous purpose; however, it is not the standard medical term used in practice. Thus, tympanostomy tubes are the most precise and commonly accepted term for these devices.