How you prepare

You'll receive instructions from the hospital on how to prepare your child for surgery to place ear tubes.

Information to provide may include:

• All medications your child takes regularly
• Your child's history or family history of adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Known allergy or other negative reactions to medications, such as antibiotics

Questions to ask your doctor or the hospital staff:

• When does my child need to start fasting?
• What drugs can he or she take before surgery?
• When should we arrive at the hospital?
• Where do we need to check in?
• What is the expected recovery time?
• How will the anesthesia be administered — with a face mask, injection or intravenous (IV) line?

Tips for helping your child prepare include the following:

• Start talking about the hospital visit a few days before the procedure.
• Explain that the procedure will help make his or her ears feel better or make it easier to hear.
• Explain that a special medicine will help him or her sleep during the surgery.
• Let your child pick out a favorite comfort toy, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, that you can take to the hospital.
• Explain that you will be there during the procedure.