Myringotomy
A surgically placed tiny incision in the eardrum.
Any fluid behind the eardrum can then drain and usually thickened secretions can be removed.
A small plastic ear tube (a tympanostomy tube) is often inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time.
These ventilating tubes usually remain in place for 6 months to several years.
Eventually, they will move out of the eardrum (extrude) and fall into the ear canal.