The grommet can leave some scarring in the eardrum; this does not usually affect the hearing.

Can grommets cause hearing loss?

There are some other rare complications of grommets, including hearing loss, or middle ear problems as a result of eardrum skin being pushed in when the grommet is inserted (cholesteatoma).

Do grommets improve hearing?

Main results: Children treated with grommets spent 32% less time (95% confidence interval (CI) 17% to 48%) with effusion during the first year of follow-up. Treatment with grommets improved hearing levels, especially during the first six months.