I am Sammy. My doctor says I need a small ear surgery called a myringotomy.

Inside my ear, there is a thin part called the eardrum. Fluid has gotten stuck behind my eardrum.

When fluid is stuck there, sounds may seem quieter or muffled. This is why my doctor wants to help my ears.

On the day of the surgery, I go to the hospital or surgery center. The Doctor and other helpers will explain what is happening.

The Doctor will help me get very sleepy so I can rest during the surgery. I will not need to do anything hard.

While I rest, the Doctor makes a tiny opening in my eardrum to let the fluid out. Then the Doctor places a very small ear tube in the opening.

The surgery is usually quick. My grown-ups will tell me the details for my day, like when to stop eating and drinking.

The ear tube helps air get into my ear, and it can help the fluid drain out. My ears may feel more comfortable, and sounds may seem clearer.

After the surgery, I wake up and rest. I may feel sleepy for a little while.

Some kids have a sore ear or feel a bit cranky afterward. My grown-ups and the Doctor will tell me how to take care of my ears.

The Doctor will tell my grown-ups about any rules, like keeping water out of my ears. I can ask my grown-ups if I have questions.

Soon I can get back to my usual things. The Doctor will check my ears again to see how they are doing.