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Hearing should improve after the tubes are in place. For best results, follow up as instructed by the surgeon. In some cases, ear problems may continue. But you can help prevent ear infections by using good ear care.

Tympanostomy is a type of ear surgery. It puts a tiny tube into the eardrum. The tube drains fluid buildup and balances air pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

Suctioning keeps your trach tube clear of excess mucus. Suction your tube as advised by your health care provider. Follow these guidelines and any others you're given.

These guidelines can help you care for your trach tube, your stoma, and the skin around the stoma.

Caregivers often feel they must tend to their loved one's needs full time. But burning yourself out doesn't help anyone. And it can be bad for your own health. Here are ways to care for yourself.

Valve disease occurs when a valve doesn't open or close the way it should. If a valve doesn't open all the way, the heart has to push blood through a smaller opening. If the valve doesn't close tightly, some blood will leak backward.

Keeping your blood sugar (glucose) at a healthy level is key for managing diabetes and slowing or preventing kidney damage. Read on to learn more.

Appoint a family spokesperson to serve as the link between the ICU team and family members. This helps protect your loved one's privacy and saves time for nurses. Also, you can help make your loved ones feel more comfortable. Talk with the nurse to find out what you can do. Your loved one may need rest most of all. And don't forget to take care of yourself, too.

A ventilator is a machine that helps a person breathe. If someone you care about is on a ventilator, you can find some answers to your questions here.