Perforated Ear Drum (Tympanoplasty Surgery)

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 prevent ear infections

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 dressing will be placed over your ear for protection after surgery – this can be removed the day after surgery before you go home

A Tympanoplasty is usually done in about one-and-a-half to two hours
You will have dissolving sutures covered by steri-strips or tape which you will need to leave on until first review
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

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

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 Vaseline on it
Call your ENT surgeon if you have a fever over 38° C, any uncontrolled pain, or any dizziness that lasts more than a few hours
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

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