Quick answer
What are ear tubes (grommets), and when does a child need them?
Ear tubes (grommets) are tiny tubes placed in the eardrum. They drain fluid from behind the eardrum and improve hearing. A child may need them if this fluid stays for more than 3 months. Other reasons include confirmed hearing loss, speech delay or frequent ear infections (3–4 or more a year). Dr. Muhammad Jabbr is a Consultant ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon who performs ear tube surgery for children. He does this surgery at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, Dubai.
What Are Ear Tubes (Grommets)?
Ear tubes are tiny ventilation tubes inserted into the eardrum to:
- Drain middle ear fluid
- Improve hearing
- Prevent repeated ear infections
- Restore normal ear pressure
- Reduce ear pain and pressure
This is one of the most common and safest pediatric ENT procedures worldwide.
What Is Glue Ear?
Glue ear (Otitis Media with Effusion) occurs when fluid collects behind the eardrum without infection.
It is very common in children in Dubai due to:
- Enlarged adenoids
- Allergies
- Recurrent colds
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Frequent upper respiratory infections
Persistent fluid can affect hearing and speech development.
Symptoms of Glue Ear in Children
Parents may notice:
- Hearing difficulty
- Speech delay
- Poor response when called
- Turning TV volume up
- Balance issues
- Recurrent ear infections
- School performance changes
- Irritability
If symptoms persist for more than 3 months, ENT evaluation is recommended.
When Are Grommets Needed?
Ear tube surgery may be recommended in children when:
- Fluid persists in the middle ear for more than 3 months
- Hearing loss is confirmed
- Speech delay is present
- Recurrent ear infections (3–4+ episodes per year)
- Sleep disturbances related to ear problems – children with recurrent ear infections or persistent middle ear fluid may also experience disrupted sleep, and a Pediatric ENT evaluation can determine if pediatric sleep apnea treatment in Dubai is needed alongside ear tube surgery
- Learning difficulties related to hearing
Early evaluation and treatment help restore hearing, improve speech development, reduce infection frequency, and ensure better overall health and sleep quality for children.
How Is Ear Tubes Surgery Performed in Dubai?
At Medcare Hospital Al Safa, the procedure is:
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Day-care surgery
- Takes approximately 10–15 minutes
- Minimal discomfort
- Child goes home same day
Dr. Muhammad Jabbr uses advanced pediatric surgical techniques to ensure safety and quick recovery.
Recovery After Grommet Surgery
- Child resumes normal activity within 1–2 days
- Hearing improvement is often immediate
- Follow-up appointments scheduled
- Tubes naturally fall out after 6–12 months
Benefits of Early Ear Tube Surgery
- Improves hearing
- Supports speech development
- Reduces infection frequency
- Improves sleep quality
- Enhances school performance
- Prevents long-term ear damage
Why Choose Dr. Muhammad Jabbr for Ear Tubes in Dubai?
- 20+ years ENT surgical experience
- Specialized pediatric ENT care
- Advanced endoscopic evaluation
- Hospital-based surgery in Dubai
- Comprehensive child ENT management
- Trusted by families across Dubai
Pediatric Ear Tubes Surgery in Dubai – Conveniently Located
Dr. Muhammad Jabbr sees pediatric patients at:
📍 Medcare Hospital Al Safa – Dubai
Serving families across:
- Al Safa
- Jumeirah
- Downtown Dubai
- Business Bay
- JVC
- Arabian Ranches
- Mirdif
Restore Your Child's Hearing Today
If your child has persistent fluid in the ear or recurrent infections, book an expert evaluation.
Myringotomy Surgery in Dubai: How Ear Tubes Are Placed
Myringotomy is the medical name for the tiny opening made in the eardrum during ear tube surgery. Fluid trapped behind the eardrum (glue ear) can drain through it. The grommet is then placed in the opening, so air can reach the middle ear and normal ear pressure is restored.
Dr. Muhammad Jabbr performs ear tube surgery for children at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, Dubai. It is done under general anesthesia as day-care surgery and takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Most children resume normal activity within 1–2 days, and the tubes naturally fall out after 6–12 months. Some children may need repeat insertion if the fluid comes back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ear tube surgery safe?
Yes. Grommet insertion is a very safe and common pediatric procedure when performed by an experienced ENT surgeon.
Will my child need ear tubes again?
Most children improve permanently. Some may require repeat insertion if fluid recurs.
Can my child swim after grommets?
In most cases, yes. Your ENT specialist will advise if ear protection is needed.
Do grommets affect hearing permanently?
No. They improve hearing by draining fluid.



