Myringotomy and the use of grommets corrects hearing loss and prevents further deterioration in most cases. Re-insertion of the grommets may be required in a small minority.

In children with middle ear infection  or persistent fluid build up the procedure is justified, specially in the presence of recurrent episodes of pain or if the child has a persistent hearing loss. Also, the untreated condition may lead to permanent damage in the inner ear. Surgery is also successful in preventing perforation and relieving the intense pain of middle ear infection, a condition which, if untreated, can lead to serious infection, possibly extending to the brain or causing facial paralysis