Tympanoplasty
Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane). This operation:
• Reconstructs and closes the eardrum
• Repairs damaged middle ear hearing bones if necessary
• Restores hearing and prevents infections
How is the surgery performed?
• Done under general or local anesthesia
• Incision is made either behind the ear or through the ear canal
• Patient’s own tissue (usually fascia from muscle) is used
• Duration: 60–90 minutes
• Usually, the patient can go home the same or next day
Benefits of tympanoplasty
• Stops ear discharge
• Improves hearing ability
• Prevents recurrent infections
• Makes the ear more resistant to water, noise, and infections
• Provides aesthetic and functional advantages
Recovery
• Avoid water contact with the ear for 2–4 weeks
• Avoid situations that increase ear pressure (flying, forceful yawning)
• Full healing and stabilization of hearing occurs in 2–3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the eardrum close on its own?
• Some small and recent perforations may heal naturally. Long-standing or recurrent perforations require surgery.
2. Is tympanoplasty painful?
• No pain during surgery. Mild discomfort may occur afterward and can be managed with medication.
3. Can I get the ear wet after surgery?
• Only after full recovery (about 1 month) with the doctor’s permission. Initially, the ear should be protected during showers.
4. Will hearing be fully restored?
• In most cases, hearing improves beyond the pre-surgery level. Results depend on the size of the perforation, middle ear condition, and other factors.
• Reconstructs and closes the eardrum
• Repairs damaged middle ear hearing bones if necessary
• Restores hearing and prevents infections
How is the surgery performed?
• Done under general or local anesthesia
• Incision is made either behind the ear or through the ear canal
• Patient’s own tissue (usually fascia from muscle) is used
• Duration: 60–90 minutes
• Usually, the patient can go home the same or next day
Benefits of tympanoplasty
• Stops ear discharge
• Improves hearing ability
• Prevents recurrent infections
• Makes the ear more resistant to water, noise, and infections
• Provides aesthetic and functional advantages
Recovery
• Avoid water contact with the ear for 2–4 weeks
• Avoid situations that increase ear pressure (flying, forceful yawning)
• Full healing and stabilization of hearing occurs in 2–3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the eardrum close on its own?
• Some small and recent perforations may heal naturally. Long-standing or recurrent perforations require surgery.
2. Is tympanoplasty painful?
• No pain during surgery. Mild discomfort may occur afterward and can be managed with medication.
3. Can I get the ear wet after surgery?
• Only after full recovery (about 1 month) with the doctor’s permission. Initially, the ear should be protected during showers.
4. Will hearing be fully restored?
• In most cases, hearing improves beyond the pre-surgery level. Results depend on the size of the perforation, middle ear condition, and other factors.
