Tympanostomy tube

Tympanostomy tube
The grommet is less than 2 mm tall, smaller than a match head.
Other names	Grommet, T-tube, ear tube, pressure equalization tube, vent, PE tube, myringotomy tube
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Tympanostomy tube, also known as a grommet, myringotomy tube, or pressure equalizing tube, is a small tube inserted into the eardrum via a surgical procedure called myringotomy to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time, typically to prevent accumulation of fluid in the middle ear.^[1] The tube itself is made in a variety of designs, most often shaped like a grommet for short-term use, or with long flanges and sometimes resembling a T-shape for long-term use.^[2] Materials used to manufacture the tubes are often made from fluoroplastic or silicone, which have largely replaced the use of metal tubes made from stainless steel, titanium, or gold.^[2]