International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What device is placed in the middle ear to help drain fluid and equalize pressure?

1. Tympanoplasty

2. Myringotomy

3. Pressure equalization (PE) tube

4. Mastoidectomy

The correct answer is: Pressure equalization (PE) tube

The device that is placed in the middle ear to help drain fluid and equalize pressure is known as a Pressure Equalization (PE) tube. These small tubes are inserted into the tympanic membrane (eardrum) during a surgical procedure typically performed when a patient is experiencing persistent middle ear fluid or recurrent ear infections. The primary function of the PE tube is to facilitate the drainage of fluid that can accumulate in the middle ear space and to create an opening that allows air to enter the middle ear, preventing negative pressure. This helps to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum, which is crucial for normal hearing and overall ear health. In contrast, other options refer to different medical procedures or devices that do not serve this specific purpose. Tympanoplasty involves reconstructing the eardrum and is not related to fluid drainage. Myringotomy is a surgical incision made in the eardrum, which may lead to placing a PE tube, but is not in itself a device. Mastoidectomy involves the removal of mastoid air cells and is typically performed for conditions affecting the mastoid bone rather than directly addressing fluid in the middle ear. Thus, the PE tube is explicitly associated with both drainage of fluid and equalization of