The most common reason for ear tubes in adults is dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, called barotrauma. The condition is caused by unequal air pressure behind the eardrum and outside of the ear, which causes pain. Another reason for ear tubes in adults is repeated ear infections, although this is more common for children. Ear infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria and the buildup of fluid in the ear canal. Ear tubes are tiny, hollow cylinders inserted into the eardrum to allow air into the middle ear, and the procedure is done during outpatient surgery that lasts about 10 to 15 minutes.

Eustachian tube dysfunction is pressure-related pain caused by a significant difference in air pressure inside and outside the ear, and it can lead to ear tubes in adults. The condition prevents the Eustachian tube from opening as it normally would when swallowing or yawning, so air cannot flow in and out of the middle ear. Ear tube surgery might be recommended for the condition if decongestants or antibiotics are ineffective or if one is going to be flying. Inserting ear tubes allows air to flow in and out of the middle ear to equalize the pressure.

Some of the causes of Eustachian tube dysfunction include allergies, colds, ear infections, or narrow Eustachian tubes. It can also occur from activities that involve altitude changes, such as scuba diving, using an elevator, or flying. The symptoms include dizziness, ear pain and discomfort, and slight hearing loss. It can also make the ear feel clogged or stuffy, and one might have difficulty getting the ear to pop.

Frequent ear infections are another reason for ear tubes in adults, although it is not as common with adults as it is for children because of changes to the anatomy of the ear. Adults have a steeper angle to the Eustachian tube, which keeps fluid from building up and makes it less likely for viruses and bacteria that enter through the nose to migrate to the ear. Ear tubes in adults who are susceptible to ear infections can prevent future occurrences by allowing fluid to drain from the middle ear and keeping the ear ventilated.

Ear infections typically accompany a cold. Symptoms include piercing pain in the ear that might get worse when laying down, loss of hearing, and dizziness. Additional symptoms are similar to those of a cold, such as congestion and fever.

A doctor can generally insert ear tubes in adults in an office setting. The quick procedure entails making a tiny incision in the eardrum with a laser or scalpel, suctioning out the fluid in the middle ear, and putting the artificial tube in the hole in the eardrum. Typically, antibiotic eardrops will be used in the ear, followed by plugging it with cotton. Recovery from the surgery takes about an hour, but there is usually no postoperative pain.