Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a hole in the eardrum (tympanic membrane). The eardrum vibrates in response to sound, and this surgery improves hearing and prevents water from entering the middle ear.
Why Is a Tympanoplasty Done?
Tympanoplasty is done when a hole in the eardrum doesn’t heal on its own. This can happen due to infections, ear tube removal, injuries (like puncturing the eardrum with a cotton swab), or growths behind the eardrum. Doctors often wait to perform the surgery, especially in younger children, to allow the ear to develop and reduce the risk of complications.
What Happens Before Tympanoplasty?
Before surgery, a hearing test is done to compare hearing before and after the procedure. You’ll receive instructions about when and what your child can eat and drink before the surgery.
What Happens During Tympanoplasty?
During the procedure, your child will be under general anesthesia. The ENT surgeon patches the hole in the eardrum with a graft made from tissue around the ear or manmade material. Packing material is placed behind and on top of the graft to help it stay in place and will dissolve over time.
How Long Does Tympanoplasty Take?
The surgery typically lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours.
What Happens After Tympanoplasty?
After surgery, your child will need to avoid nose-blowing, keep the mouth open while sneezing, and avoid getting water in the ear. Mild ear pain, slight bleeding, or a feeling of fullness in the ear may occur for about a week. Hearing should improve gradually over 2–3 months, with a follow-up hearing test scheduled 8–12 weeks after the surgery.
Are There Any Risks From Tympanoplasty?
Risks are minimal but can include graft failure, hearing that doesn’t improve, ringing in the ear, dizziness, or a funny taste in the mouth. There’s also a slight risk of bleeding or infection.
How Can Parents Help After Tympanoplasty?
Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully. Help your child avoid activities that can increase pressure on the ear, like swimming, heavy lifting, or contact sports, and ensure they avoid getting water in the ear.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Contact the doctor if you notice fresh blood or steady oozing from the ear, increased redness or swelling, fever over 100.4°F (38°C), or worsening pain.