Home > ENT-ear,nose and throat > When Are Tubes Needed For Ear Infection Get the Flash Player to see this player. Rate: (Click the stars to rate) Published on Apr 06, 2009 by CindyGore, Views: 4697 It is important if there is any hearing loss that tubes be considered to prevent worsening hearing loss. This occurs when the eustacian tube does not drain properly causing fluid buildup in the middle ear and recurrent ear infections. Signs of and ear infection are irritability, difficulty sleeping, tugging on the ear, fluid draining from the ear, fever, loss of balance or hearing loss.