New ear tube procedure makes treatment easier for kids and families

About a million kids get ear tubes every year to help drain fluid and treat recurrent ear infections. A new way of performing the procedure was approved by the Food and Drug Administration a few years ago.

It's called Tula, which stands for tubes under local anesthesia. The procedure can be done in a doctor's office rather than in an operating room under general anesthesia, making it not only easier for kids and their parents but cheaper.

Here & Now's Scott Tong speaks with Dr. Jordan Schramm, a pediatric otolaryngologist who uses the Tula procedure.