A myringotomy is a surgically placed tiny incision in the eardrum. Any fluid, usually thickened secretions in conditions like unresolved acute Otitis Media and secretory otitis media is removed. A small synthetic tube (a tympanostomy tube) is 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. the tube is removed during a routine future office visit or it may simply fall out of the ear without your child realizing it.