<s>[INST] How do ear tubes work? [/INST] Ear tubes are usually placed as an outpatient surgical procedure with a brief general anesthetic. They usually stay in the ear for about a year and then fall out by themselves. While not common, complications can include drainage from the ear, surgery to remove a tube that doesn't come out, development of a skin growth behind the eardrum (cholesteatomas), and persistently torn ear drums. Source: UIHC.ORG. Link: https://uihc.org/childrens/health-topics/ear-infections-children-frequently-asked-questions. Field: Otolaryngology. Disease: Ear Infection </s>