Tympanoplasty

A tympanoplasty is necessary when there is a hole in the eardrum. The hole can lead to hearing loss or recurrent ear infection. A variety of material can be used to close the hole – cartilage and fascia (the layer over the muscle) are most commonly used but fat and artificial material can also be used. The tympanoplasty can be done with an endoscope – this minimally invasive technique leads to less pain, quicker recovery and especially suited if the perforation is at the top of the eardrum. If the ear canal is too narrow, then a microscope will be used to visualise the eardrum.

What to expect after the surgery:

The patient will leave the theater with a cotton wool plug in the ear. This can be changed as often as needed. Most of the time the sutures are absorbable so do not have to be removed. Hair washing can usually happen after 5 days. With most endoscopic tympanoplasties you can return to normal activity ( school or work) after a day or two. Swimming can only happen once the ear canal skin has healed – usually within a month.