Q I was advised to have ventilation tube (grommet) surgery. Can I try Korean medicine first?
A If hearing loss is mild and the effusion is recent, it is reasonable to try 2-3 months of Korean medicine treatment first before deciding on surgery.
Detailed Answer
Indications for Ventilation Tube Surgery
Ventilation tube insertion is considered when bilateral otitis media with effusion persists for more than 3 months and the hearing test shows a loss of 25-30 dB or more. In children, the surgery requires general anesthesia, and the tube falls out naturally after 6-18 months.
Conditions for Trying Korean Medicine First
- Hearing loss is mild (under 25 dB) or only one side has effusion.
- Within 3 months of effusion onset.
- No developmental problems such as delayed language development.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Before surgery, we provide 2-3 months of Lung-clearing phlegm-transforming (cheongpye-hwadam) herbal medicine and ear/ENT bloodletting treatment, then recheck the hearing test. If the effusion is absorbed, management without surgery is possible. Even after surgery, combining Korean medicine is recommended to prevent recurrence.
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