Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce that Dr. Benjamin Pease, Otolaryngologist, will offer bilateral myringotomy surgery with tube placement (commonly known as ear tubes) in at Memorial Hospital in Abilene. The surgery is for those who suffer from chronic otitis media (chronic ear infection), which typically affects children between the ages of one and five-years-old. The condition can cause long-term or permanent damage to the ear if it is untreated.

Symptoms of chronic otitis media include mild ear pain or discomfort that may feel like pressure in the ear, fever, fussiness, pus-like drainage from the ear, grabbing the ear, and hearing loss. Examination of the ear may show redness, air bubbles, fluid behind the eardrum, fluid draining from the eardrum, and other eardrum abnormalities.

Memorial Hospital Operating Room Manager Carol Ross emphasized the importance of seeking treatment.
“This is primarily a kid’s disease. It can affect their hearing and speech development, so it is important to recognize the signs and get it treated before it is too late. It can also affect schoolwork if the child is school age,” she said. “We’re glad to offer this procedure locally so parents don’t have to drive out of town for their child’s surgery.”

During the procedure, the doctor uses a microscope to see in the child’s ear and inserts a tube into the eardrum. This allows the fluid in the ear to drain over several months. The tubes will either come out naturally or can be surgically removed.

Those interested in scheduling an appointment in Abilene with Dr. Pease may call his Manhattan office at (785) 539-3504.