Pediatrics
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Effectiveness of Tympanostomy Tubes for Otitis Media: A Meta-analysis.
Tympanostomy tube placement is the most common ambulatory surgery performed on children in the United States. ⋯ Tympanostomy tubes improve hearing at 1 to 3 months compared with watchful waiting, with no evidence of benefit by 12 to 24 months. Children with recurrent acute otitis media may have fewer episodes after tympanostomy tube placement, but the evidence base is severely limited. The benefits of tympanostomy tubes must be weighed against a variety of associated adverse events.