Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
Ear tubes, also called tympanostomy tubes, are a common treatment for chronic ear infections and fluid buildup behind the eardrum, especially in children. The procedure, known as myringotomy with tube placement, is relatively quick, but the cost can vary significantly depending on whether it’s done in a hospital or outpatient surgery center, whether anesthesia is needed, and whether insurance covers it.
Let’s break down the cost of ear tubes, insurance coverage, and ways to save money on this procedure.
How Much Do Ear Tubes Cost in 2025?
Location of Procedure |
Cost Without Insurance |
Cost With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Hospital (Outpatient Surgery) |
$3,000 – $7,000 |
$500 – $2,000 |
Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) |
$2,000 – $5,000 |
$300 – $1,500 |
Doctor’s Office (Local Anesthesia – Rare for Kids) |
$800 – $2,500 |
$150 – $800 |
Ear tubes are most commonly placed in children, requiring general anesthesia, which increases the cost. For adults, the procedure may be done in-office under local anesthesia, making it significantly cheaper.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Ear Tubes?
Several factors influence the total price:
- Surgical setting – Hospital-based procedures are more expensive than outpatient surgery centers.
- Anesthesia fees – Children need general anesthesia, which adds $500 – $2,000 to the cost.
- Facility fees – Hospitals charge higher facility fees compared to standalone surgery centers.
- Geographic location – Prices are higher in major cities and lower in rural areas.
- Insurance coverage – Many insurance plans cover ear tube surgery, but out-of-pocket costs vary based on your deductible and copay.
Ear Tubes Cost by State
State |
Average Cost Without Insurance |
|---|---|
California |
$4,500 – $7,500 |
Texas |
$3,000 – $6,000 |
Florida |
$3,200 – $6,500 |
New York |
$4,500 – $7,000 |
Ohio |
$2,500 – $5,500 |
If you live in high-cost states like California or New York, expect higher prices than in states with lower medical costs.
Does Insurance Cover Ear Tubes?
Most health insurance plans cover ear tube surgery if it’s deemed medically necessary, meaning the patient has recurring ear infections or persistent fluid in the ear.
Insurance Type |
Coverage for Ear Tubes |
|---|---|
Private Insurance (Employer Plan or Marketplace) |
Usually 80% covered after deductible |
Medicare |
Covers for adults if medically necessary |
Medicaid (Varies by State) |
Often fully covered for children |
Tricare (Military Insurance) |
Covered for active-duty families |
🔹 If you have a high deductible health plan (HDHP), you may need to pay $1,000 – $3,000 out of pocket before insurance covers the rest.
Why Are Ear Tubes Needed?
Ear tubes help drain fluid and prevent infections in people with chronic middle ear problems. They are commonly recommended for:
- Children with recurrent ear infections (3+ in 6 months or 4+ in a year).
- Chronic fluid buildup causing hearing loss or speech delays.
- Persistent ear infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.
In most cases, ear tubes fall out on their own within 6 to 18 months.
Alternative Treatments and Their Costs
Treatment |
Cost |
Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
Antibiotics (for mild infections) |
$10 – $100 per round |
Works for some, but repeated infections may return |
Hearing Tests (Before & After Tubes) |
$50 – $200 per test |
Helps track improvement in hearing |
Hearing Aids (If Fluid Causes Hearing Loss) |
$1,000 – $4,000 |
Needed only in severe cases |
While antibiotics can treat infections, they don’t prevent future ones, making ear tubes a more permanent solution for chronic cases.
Ways to Save Money on Ear Tube Surgery
- Choose an outpatient surgery center instead of a hospital – This can save $1,000 – $3,000.
- Ask for a cash discount if paying out of pocket – Some providers offer discounted rates for self-pay patients.
- Check Medicaid or CHIP eligibility if your child needs the procedure.
- Use an FSA or HSA account to pay with pre-tax dollars.
- Compare costs between different facilities – Prices can vary by thousands of dollars.
Final Thoughts
The cost of ear tube surgery ranges from $800 to $7,000, depending on where it’s performed, insurance coverage, and anesthesia fees.
- Most insured patients pay $300 – $2,000 out of pocket.
- Hospitals charge the highest rates, while outpatient centers are more affordable.
- Medicaid and CHIP often cover the procedure fully for children.
- Alternative treatments like antibiotics may help, but they don’t prevent future infections.
If your child has recurrent ear infections, getting ear tubes can prevent long-term hearing loss and improve quality of life.
Have you or your child had ear tubes placed? What was your experience with costs? Share in the comments.
For real-world medical pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com.
