Myringoplasty (Eardrum Repair)

What Is a Myringoplasty?

A myringoplasty is a surgical procedure used to repair a hole (perforation) in the eardrum.

The eardrum (tympanic membrane) is a thin tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear and plays an important role in hearing by transmitting sound.

Why Is It Needed?

A hole in the eardrum may occur due to:

• Repeated ear infections
• Previous ear tube placement where the tube has not come out of the ear drum
• Injury or trauma
• Sudden pressure changes (such as flying or diving)

If the perforation does not heal on its own, it may lead to:

• Hearing loss
• Recurrent ear infections
• Water entering the middle ear

Goals of Surgery

The goals of myringoplasty are to:

• Close the hole in the eardrum
• Improve hearing
• Prevent infections
• Allow return to normal activities, including swimming (after healing)

How Is the Procedure Performed?

• Typically performed under general anesthesia
• A small tissue graft is placed through the perforation
• The graft is usually taken from the patient’s own tissue, usually the belly button
• There are typically no visible external scars
• The procedure usually takes 10-15 minutes

What to Expect After Surgery

• Most patients go home the same day
• Mild ear discomfort or a feeling of fullness is common
• Ointment is usually placed in the ear canal
• Hearing may be temporarily muffled during healing
• The ear must be kept dry

Recovery and Healing

• Healing generally takes several weeks
• Your doctor will monitor closure of the eardrum
• Hearing typically improves gradually over time

Benefits of Myringoplasty

Many patients experience:

• Successful closure of the eardrum
• Improved hearing
• Fewer ear infections
• Ability to get the ear wet after full healing

Risks

Myringoplasty is generally very safe. Possible risks include:

• Failure of the graft to heal
• Persistent perforation
• Infection
• Temporary dizziness
• No improvement in hearing (rare)

Post-Operative Instructions

Diet

• You may experience temporary dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
• Start with liquids or a light, bland diet
• Resume a regular diet the day after surgery
• Mild ear discomfort with chewing or limited mouth opening may occur

Wound Care

• The ear will feel full or clogged due to packing; crackling sounds are normal
• If using a cotton ball in the ear:
  • Change it when saturated
  • No tape is needed; a small amount of antibiotic ointment can help it stay in place

Keep the Ear Dry

• Do not allow water into the ear
• Use a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) during showers
• Consider assistance when washing hair
• A shower cap provides additional protection
• After showering:
  • Remove cotton
  • Gently dry the outer ear
  • Replace with a clean, dry cotton ball

Drainage

• Thick, dark, or bloody drainage is normal for the first week
• Clean only the outer ear with hydrogen peroxide and cotton swabs

Incision Care (if applicable)

• The abdominal incision (if used for graft) is covered with skin glue (Dermabond)
• May get wet after 24 hours
• Mild oozing for 24–48 hours is normal
• Dermabond typically peels off within 7–10 days

Activity Restrictions

• Do not blow your nose for at least 2 weeks
• If sneezing, keep your mouth open
• Sleep on the non-operated side

Medications

• Ear drops may be prescribed and are usually started 1 week after surgery
• Pain control:
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin)

Follow-Up

• Schedule a follow-up visit approximately 2 weeks after surgery
• This visit should have already been scheduled by the surgery coordinator
• Hearing testing is usually performed 4–6 weeks after surgery
• Contact the surgery coordinator if you are unsure about your appointment

When to Call the Doctor

• Fever greater than 102°F that does not respond to Tylenol or Motrin
• Sudden increase in swelling at the incision site

Medication Refills

• Refills are not available after hours or on weekends
• Call during office hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Emergency Room

If you need to go to the Emergency Room, please use the following guidelines:

• Age 16 and older: Centennial Medical Center Frisco
• Under age 16: Children’s Medical Center Plano