Ventilation tubes, swimming and otorrhoea: a New Zealand perspective.

OBJECTS: To compare advice given by specialist otolaryngologists to patients following ventilation tube insertion and the management of purulent otorrhoea in these patients.

METHODS

A postal questionnaire was sent to all 59 specialists currently listed in the New Zealand Otolaryngology Specialist Register.

RESULTS

96.5% of specialist otolaryngologists replied, 88% in sufficient detail for analysis in this study. The vast majority (96%) allowed patients to swim with tubes in situ, and all allowed hair washing. Advice for ear protection varied. If otorrhoea develops with ventilation tubes in situ, 90% of specialists advise patients to stop swimming, but allow hair washing to continue with ear protection. Ninety percent of specialists' initial treatment of otorrhoea involves a combination of suction toilet and topical steroid/antibiotic drops.

CONCLUSION

In general, specialist otolaryngologists in New Zealand give similar advice to patients with ventilation tubes. However, the specific methods of ear protection advised when swimming and hair washing varies markedly.