Hummingbird Ear Tube Placement

The Hummingbird device offers alternative to ear tube surgery

Most children will experience at least one ear infection during their childhood, and up to 20% of them will suffer from frequent ear infections. A child’s eustachian tubes are smaller and more level than an adult’s, making them more susceptible to fluid buildup that can become infected.

The typical treatment for ear infections is an antibiotic. However, if a child experiences chronic ear infections, their provider may recommend a surgical procedure to place ear tubes in the eardrum to improve airflow and reduce fluid backup. Traditionally, that has meant ear tube surgery in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia. The Hummingbird device allows a provider to insert ear tubes during a short office visit with a topical anesthetic.

How the Hummingbird device works

The Hummingbird device is a revolutionary new tool that simplifies ear tube placement for doctors and patients. The in-office procedure starts with the application of a topical anesthetic directly to the eardrum. Then the Hummingbird device is used to make a small incision in the eardrum and insert the ear tube in a single pass. It is FDA-approved to be used for children six months and older.

Why Hummingbird ear tube placement is better than ear tube surgery

Using the Hummingbird device to insert ear tubes eliminates the need for general anesthesia and avoids operating room costs and stressors. This simplifies the ear tube procedure overall for patients, their parents, and doctors.

Time-saving procedure

Scheduling an office visit is much quicker than waiting for a surgery date and the Hummingbird ear tube placement procedure can be done during a simple office visit with little to no recovery time. On average, the procedure takes five minutes.

Pain-free experience

The use of a local anesthetic ensures the patient won’t experience pain during the minimally invasive procedure.

Convenient and flexible

The Hummingbird ear tube placement procedure does not require the patient to fast as a traditional surgery would.

The time-saving and convenient Hummingbird ear tube placement procedure is a step up from ear tube surgery, saving parents time and money while also alleviating their children’s ear infection issues.

Learn more about the Hummingbird device

Dr. Jon Slezak, an otolaryngologist with BayCare Clinic Ear, Nose & Throat, is one of two providers in Wisconsin who offer ear tube placement using the Hummingbird device. If you’d like to read more about the Hummingbird procedure from Dr. Slezak, click here to read our blog.

Want to find out if your child is a candidate for the Hummingbird ear tube placement procedure? Click here to request an appointment.