For parents seeking a less stressful solution for children suffering from recurrent ear infections, the revolutionary Hummingbird® ear tube procedure offers welcome relief. This innovative, in-office approach eliminates the need for general anesthesia, operating rooms, and lengthy recovery periods. Dr. Michael Cohen and his team at Integrative Ear, Nose & Throat are proud to offer this advanced treatment option for children throughout Long Island, helping families access cutting-edge care with minimal disruption to their daily lives.
What Are Hummingbird Ear Tubes?
Hummingbird ear tubes represent a revolutionary advancement in pediatric otolaryngology. The Hummingbird® Tympanostomy Tube System (TTS) is an FDA-cleared medical device that enables the placement of ear ventilation tubes in a simple in-office procedure without the need for general anesthesia.
Traditional ear tubes (also called tympanostomy tubes or pressure equalization tubes) are tiny, hollow cylinders inserted into the eardrum to create ventilation and drainage pathways between the middle ear and the ear canal. These tubes help prevent fluid buildup, reduce pressure, and decrease the frequency of ear infections.
The Hummingbird system uses the same proven ear tube technology but transforms how these tubes are placed. Through its proprietary One-Pass® technology, the system allows for precise tube insertion with minimal discomfort for children. The procedure is performed under topical anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, eliminating major concerns associated with traditional surgical approaches.
Key advantages of the Hummingbird system include:
- Elimination of general anesthesia risks
- No need for pre-operative fasting
- Significantly reduced procedure time (typically under 5 minutes)
- Dramatically shortened recovery period
- Lower overall healthcare costs
- Reduced stress for both children and parents
The Hummingbird ear tube system is indicated for children aged 6 months and older who meet the clinical criteria for ear tube placement, making it an excellent option for most pediatric patients suffering from recurrent ear infections or persistent middle ear fluid.
Common Concerns and Reasons Families Choose Hummingbird Ear Tubes
Parents seeking ear tube placement for their children often have several specific concerns that make the Hummingbird system particularly appealing:
Concerns About General Anesthesia
Many parents worry about exposing young children to general anesthesia, which carries risks ranging from common side effects like nausea and confusion to rarer but more serious complications. The Hummingbird system eliminates these concerns by using only topical anesthesia applied directly to the eardrum.
Scheduling Challenges and Disruption
Traditional ear tube surgery requires scheduling operating room time, which often means significant waiting periods and disruption to family routines. The in-office Hummingbird procedure can be scheduled more quickly and efficiently, reducing the time children must cope with painful ear infections.
Pre-Operative Restrictions
Parents of young children know how challenging it can be to enforce fasting before surgery. The Hummingbird procedure doesn’t require fasting, eliminating this stressful aspect of traditional surgical approaches.
Recovery Concerns
After traditional surgery, children need time to recover from anesthesia, often experiencing grogginess, irritability, or nausea. With Hummingbird ear tubes, children can typically return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Financial Considerations
The Hummingbird approach eliminates operating room and anesthesia fees, potentially reducing the overall cost of ear tube placement by up to 65% compared to traditional surgical approaches, depending on insurance coverage.
Desire for Parental Presence
Many parents want to comfort their children during medical procedures. The Hummingbird system allows parents to be present during tube placement, providing reassurance to both the child and parents throughout the process.
Customized Approach to Hummingbird Ear Tube Placement
Our ENT specialists take a comprehensive, child-centered approach to Hummingbird ear tube placement:
Thorough Pre-Procedure Evaluation
Before recommending ear tubes, a complete assessment of your child’s ear health is performed, including detailed examination of the ear canals, eardrums, and when appropriate, hearing evaluation. This ensures the procedure is truly indicated and likely to provide significant benefit.
Personalized Preparation
Each child receives individualized preparation tailored to their age and temperament. Dr. Cohen and his team take time to explain the procedure in age-appropriate terms and address any questions or concerns from both children and parents.
Gentle Restraint Techniques
Young children need help staying still during the brief procedure. GGentle swaddling techniques are used to provide security without causing anxiety, allowing for precise tube placement.
Optimized Topical Anesthesia
Effective pain control is essential for in-office procedures. Our providers utilize specialized topical anesthetic formulations and application techniques to ensure the eardrum is thoroughly numbed before tube placement begins.
Precision Placement with Hummingbird Technology
Using the advanced Hummingbird device, the ventilation tubes are placed with exceptional precision through a single motion, minimizing procedure time and discomfort. This One-Pass® technology is a key innovation that makes in-office placement possible and comfortable.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
Following tube placement, our ENT specialist verifies proper tube position and function, provides same-day care instructions, and ensures parents understand what to expect in the coming days and weeks.
Personalized Follow-Up Schedule
Each child receives a customized follow-up schedule based on their specific needs, with Dr. Cohen and his team monitoring tube function and ear health to ensure optimal outcomes.
Is the Hummingbird Procedure Right for Your Child?
The Hummingbird ear tube procedure is appropriate for many children who meet clinical criteria for ear tube placement. Your child may be a good candidate if they:
- Are at least 6 months of age
- Have experienced multiple ear infections within a relatively short period (typically 3 or more infections within 6 months)
- Have persistent fluid in the middle ear lasting 3 months or longer
- Show signs of hearing difficulty or speech delays related to ear problems
- Can be comfortably positioned for the brief procedure
- Do not have anatomical abnormalities that would complicate in-office placement
- Do not have active ear canal infections or significant ear canal narrowing
During your consultation, a specialist from the team at Integrative Ear, Nose & Throat will thoroughly evaluate your child’s specific situation to determine if the Hummingbird approach is appropriate. For most children who need ear tubes, this innovative procedure offers significant advantages over traditional surgical approaches.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
Your initial consultation for potential Hummingbird ear tube placement typically includes:
Comprehensive Medical History
Our pediatric ENT specialist will discuss your child’s ear infection history, treatments received, response to those treatments, and any additional symptoms such as hearing difficulties or speech delays.
Thorough Ear Examination
Using specialized equipment, the provider will examine your child’s ear canals and eardrums to assess for fluid buildup, infection, eardrum abnormalities, or other relevant findings.
Hearing Assessment
When appropriate, a hearing evaluation may be recommended to determine if middle ear fluid is affecting your child’s hearing, which could impact speech and language development.
Procedure Discussion
If ear tubes are indicated, our specialist will explain both traditional and Hummingbird approaches, discussing the benefits and limitations of each option for your child’s specific situation.
Insurance and Cost Consultation
Our team will verify your insurance coverage and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs, helping you make a fully informed decision.
What to Expect During the Hummingbird Procedure
The Hummingbird ear tube placement is typically completed in under 5 minutes and follows these steps:
Preparation
Your child will be comfortably positioned and gently swaddled to minimize movement during the procedure. Parents are welcome to remain in the room, often sitting close by to provide reassurance.
Ear Canal Cleaning
Our pediatric ENT specialist will examine the ear canal and remove any wax that might obstruct the view of the eardrum, using gentle techniques to ensure your child’s comfort.
Topical Anesthesia
A specialized anesthetic solution is applied directly to the eardrum using the Hummingbird system’s proprietary applicator. This numbs the eardrum without the need for injections or general anesthesia.
Tube Placement
Once the eardrum is adequately numbed (usually within 5-10 minutes of anesthetic application), the Hummingbird device is used to create a tiny incision in the eardrum and place the ventilation tube in a single, swift motion. This One-Pass® technology significantly reduces procedure time and discomfort.
Second Ear (If Needed)
If both ears require tubes, the process is repeated for the second ear, still typically completing the entire bilateral procedure in under 5 minutes.
Immediate Assessment
Proper tube placement is verified, and any immediate concerns are checked before the procedure is concluded.
Post-Procedure Instructions
You’ll receive detailed care instructions, including any activity restrictions, ear protection guidelines for bathing and swimming, and signs to watch for that might indicate complications.
Why Choose Integrative ENT for Hummingbird Ear Tube Placement
At Integrative ENT, we believe in making ear care simpler, safer, and more comfortable, especially for children. The Hummingbird ear tube system reflects our philosophy of using minimally invasive techniques that reduce stress and speed up recovery.
- Expert ENT team trained in the latest in-office ear tube technology
- No incisions, no general anesthesia—quick and gentle treatment for kids and adults
- Minimally invasive procedure done in our office, avoiding the need for hospital visits
- Emphasis on family-friendly care to ease anxiety for both patients and parents
- Follow-up support to monitor healing and ensure long-term results
With a focus on comfort, efficiency, and better outcomes, our team is proud to bring advanced solutions like the Hummingbird system to families across Long Island.
Advanced Ear Tube Placement Throughout Nassau and Suffolk County
Give your child the benefits of innovative ear tube technology without the stress of general anesthesia and hospital visits. At Integrative Ear, Nose and Throat, we provide the advanced Hummingbird ear tube procedure for families throughout Long Island, helping children overcome chronic ear infections with minimal disruption to their daily lives.
With convenient locations in Syosset and Port Jefferson Station, expert pediatric ear care is accessible to families throughout Nassau and Suffolk County. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and discover if the Hummingbird ear tube procedure is right for your child.