Tympanoplasty
Why Do I Need Surgery?
Chronic ear infections and some types of injuries can create a hole
in your eardrum. Having a hole in your eardrum can cause hearing loss,
ear infection with drainage and limitation of water-related activities.
You may need a Tympanoplasty to repair the hole in your eardrum to improve
hearing and to stop ear infections.
What To Expect During Surgery
Under general anesthesia an incision is made behind your ear so that
the eardrum can be reached. The hole in your eardrum will be repaired
with a graft. The surgeon will then close the incision site behind your
ear and apply tape or steri strips over the sutures. A hard cup will
be placed over your ear for protection after surgery. This can be removed
a few days following surgery.
What to Expect After Surgery
A Tympanoplasty is usually done in about one-and-a-half to three hours
so most patients will get to go home on the day of surgery. You will
have a hard cover over your ear to protect it after surgery. This can
be removed a few days following surgery. You will have sutures covered
by steri strips or tape which you will need to leave on. A nurse from
the office will remove the tape and the sutures for you when you come
in for your two-week follow-up appointment with your surgeon. You will
also have packing in your ear, which will also be removed in the clinic
at your four-week follow-up appointment.
Post-Op Instructions
You will need to avoid getting your ear wet following surgery. When
you do take a shower you will need to protect your ear with a cotton
ball with a small amount of petroleum jelly on it. Call your ENT surgeon
if you have a fever of 101° F or greater, any uncontrolled pain,
or any dizziness that lasts more than a few days. Also call if you are
having nausea and or vomiting. Before doing any traveling at high altitudes,
swimming, scuba diving, or playing contact sports please call and clear
this with your surgeon.
The Risks of Surgery
Some of the possible risks and complications of a Tympanoplasty are
infection, the graft not holding and exposing the hole in the eardrum,
further hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness or facial nerve
damage or numbness in the outer ear. Also you may experience dry mouth
or notice a change in your sense of taste.
Options
If surgery is not right for you, your ENT Surgeon may talk to you about
possible medications to control your symptoms, or a hearing aid to help
improve your hearing.
