Ear drops after tube surgery: do they prevent blockage?

NCT ID NCT03655665

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether using antibiotic ear drops during and after ear tube surgery reduces the chance of tube blockage or ear drainage in children. Only 9 children took part, and each child received drops in one ear but not the other. The study was stopped early, so the findings are not conclusive.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

ofloxacin otic solution (Floxin Otic)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple way to prevent ear tube blockage and drainage after surgery in children.

What could go wrong

This was a very small, early study that was terminated early, so results are limited and may not apply to all children. The drops may cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for OTITIS MEDIA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

eustachian tube disorder otitis media otitis media, susceptibility to

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Boston Children's Hospital at Waltham

    Waltham, Massachusetts, 02453, United States