What are pe tubes?

If you are here, it’s probably because you don’t know what PE tubes are. Don’t worry; even we didn’t until someone asked us to write about it. Let’s dive into the world of PE tubes and come out enlightened!

The Basics

To start with the basics, PE tubes stands for Pressure Equalization tubes or Tympanostomy tubes. Here is a table to know which name is acceptable:

Name Acceptable
PE Tubes Yes
Pressure Equalization Tubes Surely
Tympanostomy Tubes Of course!

With that out of the way, let’s get into what these things actually do.

The Purpose

The primary purpose of PE tubes is to relieve pressure in your ears caused by fluid accumulation behind your eardrum. When this happens, you might experience temporary hearing loss or earaches.

But why does this happen? It could be due to an infection, allergies, or issues with Eustachian Tube (a tube connecting the nose and ear). Whatever the reason may be have no fear, as our little friends existence can solve your problems!

Once inserted through small surgical incisions in your ear drum (cool right?) they allow air flow between middle ear chamber and outside environment thus combating negative side effects.

Moving on…

How Does One Get These Tubes?

Well if you find yourself struggling to hear people buzz feed articles then dot dot dot “

Your Symptoms Need Attention

First off: If symptoms such as those mentioned previously occur repeatedly for over 3 months its suggested that one should consult an ENT specialist . They will examine cause of recurring pain/loss-of-hearing thoroughly & suggest most appropriate solution available.

On some occasions where all other remedies fail i.e allergy medicine etc recommended diligent coverage attention unfortunately surgery may be somewhat necessary. We know those are scary words but stay with me here.

The Procedure

The procedure itself is called a Tympanostomy, which involves making of small holes in the eardrum and insertion of these tubes through them (insert tube joke here).

As for keeping you comfortable throughout, the use of anesthesia is typically included so don’t worry about any pain at all! Also, since this lead to period with limited swimming activity we suggest picking up Sudoku instead…. kidding!

Here’s another table to make things easier:

Pros Cons
Significant improvement in hearing & relief from earaches/pressure Risk of complications (extremely low) i.e infection
Procedure takes only a few minutes Periodical visits to ENT specialist for check ups required

Post Surgery Care

Phew–- surgery over…so now what?

Well now it’s important that post-surgery care instructions are followed exactly as given by your physician so there remains no threat future medical problems.

Here are some precautions

After surgery avoid excessive water submersion activities such as swimming. You may clean ears carefully while bathing/sleeping just be sure regular communication with your doctor regarding outcome and healing-process is being kept!

But hey peeps let’s not get too carried away with extracurriculars just yet…

How Can They Benefit Us In Other Ways?

Apart from fixing our hearing issues they have other applications as well:

  • Scuba divers’ buddy: Since PE tubes equate pressure outside and inside the middle ear chamber during changes /dives underwater allowing diving enthusiasts a smooth experience.

  • Airplane tricksters: Oddly enough anyone who has ever found themselves wincing or holding their nose when landing can benefit throught hease comforting effects toward air-pressure changes indeed! Believe – saved us on endless flights.

  • Music lovers: In rare cases of tinnitus, continuous ringing in one’s ears could potentially be muffled and even completely gone using them!

The Verdict

All in all, don’t be intimidated by PE tubes. If attentive to atypical pressure within your ear canals it will come as no surprise that they are impressive little things that help you regain much needed comfort & relief.

So goodbye worries and hello new round-the-world-sightseeing vacation plans!

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