title: Tympanostomy tube protection with ear plugs.
abstract: Protection by ear plugs from water-borne infection was evaluated in 35 patients with "tympanostomy" tubes, tympanic membrane perforations, or mastoid bowls. Stock and custom-made ear plugs were found to be equally effective up to four months during a period of frequent swimming and bathing activities. Infections were only noted to occur in those patients who did not follow instructions on appropriate use of the plugs.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D004432:Ear, Middle; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011482:Protective Devices; D012825:Silicon; D013550:Swimming; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000601:surgery*; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water; D012825:Silicon