Hi Shcallam, my son had grommets at three years of age (late as he never showed any symptoms of ear infections or ear ruptures). For my child it was the best thing I could ever have done and wish we had picked up on it earlier. His speech was quite delayed due to the fact the glue ear was distorting his hearing (could hear but not hear the articulation correctly). This was what prompted us to seek out assistance. Had we noticed earlier he may not have the plethora of speech therapy he now has to get him back on track. As for the surgery itself it was a really simple procedure and he had his adenoids done at the same time. It was pretty sad watching him get put to sleep (our specialist administered gas first and then once he was out they used other methods) but an hour later he was out and in recovery and happy for a drink and to go home. We had no problems afterwards with the grommets coming out early or anything but I have had a few friends whose children have had issues afterwards. Good luck with it all :-)