1. A surgical incision into the eardrum (to relieve pressure or to release pus from the middle ear).
2. A surgically placed tiny incision in the eardrum.

Any fluid behind the eardrum can then drain and usually thickened secretions can be removed. A small plastic ear tube (a tympanostomy tube) is often inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time.

A new laser procedure for treatment of serous otitis by creating a small hole in the tympanic membrane (myringotomy) without the insertion of ventilation tubes.

The opening allows for drainage and endoscopic evaluation of the middle ear space which remains open for several weeks, followed by spontaneous and complete healing of the tympanic membrane.

The procedure may be done in a physician's office under local anesthesia on patients age six years or older.