Tympanoplasty repairs a persistent eardrum perforation and may improve hearing. Not every perforation needs immediate surgery; cause, duration and hearing are assessed.
A graft may use the patient's tissue, but successful healing is not guaranteed. Ossicular problems may need additional reconstruction. Discuss bleeding, infection, graft failure, taste change and limits to hearing improvement. Keeping the ear dry and returning to flights or exercise should follow the surgeon's instructions. Full healing and hearing assessment should not be reduced to a fixed 3–4-week deadline.
The ear canal and eardrum are examined; hearing tests and tympanometry may be needed. Do not insert cotton buds or other objects. If you have a perforation, a tube or previous ear surgery, a clinician should choose drops or irrigation.
Sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear or rapidly worsening pain require urgent assessment.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment