Anon has had them 4-5 times over my lifespan. Last time as an adult. They aren't permanent because the body will always push them out. That said, they provide much needed relief and increase hearing ability. Tubes prevent the eardrum from bursting, which is quite painful - been down that route, as well.
HOWEVER, anon had flu back in Jan. Sitting quietly when suddenly fluid started coming out of both of my ears. Went to doc and both eardrums had burst - never felt a thing this time. I wondered if it was all those sets of tubes I had as a kid. Anons hearing still has not come back up to where it was - which was never excellent.
There's no good answer. Maybe move to drier climate?