Tympanoplasty is an operation to eradicate disease in the space behind the eardrum called the middle ear. It  is done to reconstruct the hearing mechanism with or without tympanic membrane grafting. The benefits of Tympanoplasty are improved hearing and the ability to get water in the ear canal without risking a draining ear. Tympanoplasty is not indicated for patients with a nerve type hearing loss. in these cases a hearing aid is recommended.

 

Pre-Op Instructions for Tympanoplasty

 

Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours before the scheduled surgery start time. You may take important medication such as heart medication with smalls sips of water the morning of surgery. If you have any doubt about which medication are allowed ask your doctor.

 

Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen 2 weeks prior to surgery.

 

Post-Op Instruction for Tympanoplasty

 

You will have an antibiotic ointment and sponges called gel foam in your ear canal when you wake up so your ear may feel full. Ten days after surgery your doctor will prescribe antibiotic ear drops for you to use. You will have a follow up visit 2 weeks after surgery at which time any left over ear canals pongees will be removed. Other than prescription ear drops, you should keep water from entering Your ear canal. It helps if you plug the entrance to the ear canal with a cotton ball with Vaseline on it while you are in the shower. You should not fly for one month following surgery because atmospheric pressure changes could damage your ear drum while it is healing. You should avoid lifting greater than 20 lbs. for 2 weeks Following surgery. Also contact sports that could result in a blow to the head should be avoided for a month. A hearing test will be ordered for three months following surgery.

Tympanoplasty