Tympanoplasty is  also called eardrum repair. It refers to surgery performed to reconstruct a perforated tympanic membrane (eardrum) or the small bones of the middle ear. Repeated ear infections, surgery, or trauma may cause damage to your eardrum or middle ear bones that must be corrected with surgery.

Why the Procedure is Performed?

The purpose of tympanoplasty is to repair the perforated eardrum, and sometimes the middle ear bones. Tympanic membrane grafting may be required. Grafts are usually taken from a vein or fascia  tissue on the lobe of the ear. Synthetic materials is an option if patients have had previous surgeries and have limited graft availability.

Risks

• damage to facial nerve or the nerve controlling your sense of taste

• damage to the bones of middle ear, resulting in hearing loss

• dizziness

• incomplete healing of the hole in eardrum

• cholesteatoma (an abnormal skin growth behind eardrum)

Before the Procedure

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking including any allergies you may have to medications, latex, or anaesthesia.You may be asked to be without food  or liquids after midnight the night before surgery. If need to take medication, take them with only a small sip of water.

After the Procedure

1. your doctor will fill your ear with cotton packing to remain in your ear for 5-7 days after surgery.

2. a bandage will often be placed over your entire ear for protection.

3. you might be  discharged immediately though.

4. eardrops might be prescribed.

5. you’ll require preventing any water from entering your ear during recovery.

6. try avoiding crowded places and sick people as protection against risk of contracting an ear infection.

7. you may feel shooting pain in your ear or feel as if ear is filled with liquid. You may also hear popping, clicking, or other sounds in your ear- all these symptoms are very mild and resolve gradually.