Fluid in the ear, glue ear, and conductive hearing loss have replaced the "infected, large, or hypertrophied tonsils" and "enlarged adenoids" as a major concern of primary physicians caring for children and the special domain of ear, nose, and throat physicians. Having myringotomy tubes put into the ears has become a favorite topic of discussion for parents marveling at the positive effects. Indeed, these devices must be something of a fashion or status symbol, because it is estimated that tubes of various configurations and materials are placed into the tympanic membrane of at least 1 million children per year in this country.