A perforated eardrum? Don't panic! Let's talk about Tympanoplasty surgery

Does your little one get frequent ear infections? Or maybe your eardrum was damaged while cleaning the ear or in some accident, and now you feel like you have reduced hearing? If at such a time the doctor tells you, "There is a hole in the eardrum, and you need surgery," don't be afraid at all. Today we are going to talk about the treatment for it, which is a surgery called Tympanoplasty.

Simply put, what is Tympanoplasty?

Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a hole in your eardrum. Think of it this way: your eardrum is like the skin of a drum. When sound waves hit it, it vibrates, allowing us to hear the sound. So, what happens if there is a hole in this eardrum? It doesn't vibrate properly. The result is hearing loss .

There are many reasons why a hole like this can form. It could be due to a long-standing ear infection, or it could be due to an injury or accident.

However, if the hole has not healed after two to three months, the doctor may recommend surgery to prevent future problems. What are those problems? Things like persistent hearing loss, frequent ear drainage, and recurring ear infections.

This surgery is performed by an ear, nose, and throat specialist, called an ENT (Otolaryngologist) . He or she will put a patch over the hole in the eardrum and close it. Although this is a major operation, you can often go home the same day.

How do you prepare before surgery?

After scheduling your surgery, your doctor will examine you carefully. Let's look at some of the things that will happen during this preparation.

How is the surgery done?

It's normal to feel scared about surgery, but your fear will lessen once you learn how the procedure works.

First, you will be put to sleep so that you will not feel any pain. This is called general anesthesia . So you will not feel anything during the surgery. You may also be given antibiotics to prevent infection.

After you fall asleep, the doctor will reach for your eardrum. There are several methods used for this.

• Transcanal: This is the most commonly used method. The surgery is performed by inserting delicate instruments through the ear canal, without making any incisions.
• Behind the ear (Postauricular): A small incision is made along the fold of skin behind the ear, reaching the eardrum.
• Above the ear (Endaural): An incision is made slightly above the earlobe. This is not used very often.

The next step is to close the hole. For this, the doctor uses a graft , which is a small piece of tissue.

1. Obtaining the graft: This piece of tissue is often taken from your own body. It is usually taken from a piece of connective tissue near the ear, around a muscle on the side of the head, or from a piece of cartilage in the front of the ear. Sometimes artificial tissue is also used.

2. Placing the graft: This piece of tissue is then placed above or below the hole in the eardrum and glued.

3. Stabilization: To keep the graft in place, it is supported by a foam-like material on both sides. This foam protects the graft until new tissue forms and the eardrum heals. Over time, this foam will dissolve on its own.

4. Stitching the incision: If an incision was made on the outside, it is stitched back up and covered with a clean bandage.

How long does the surgery take?

The time it takes for this surgery varies. It can take as little as 30 minutes to several hours . It depends on the size of the ear piercing, its location, and whether there is any other damage inside the ear. For example, if the small bones behind the eardrum are damaged, they may also need to be repaired. Sometimes, the eardrum piercing can cause abnormal growths (cholesteatomas) inside the ear. These can also take additional time to remove.

What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?

Any surgery has its benefits as well as some risks, and it's important to be aware of them.

Main advantages:

• Hearing returns to normal: As the hole closes, the eardrum begins to vibrate properly again, so hearing becomes clear.
• Preventing infections: Closing the hole prevents germs from entering the middle ear from the outside. This prevents frequent ear infections and fluid from draining from the ear.

Possible risks (very rare):

Complications from this surgery are very rare . The most common complication is graft failure. This means that the graft does not completely close the hole. If this happens, the hole can re-form. Very rarely, hearing may become slightly worse.

After surgery and recovery period

Most people can go home the same day as their surgery. The doctor may decide to keep you in the hospital overnight.

The following are normal in the first few days after surgery:

• A small amount of blood-tinged discharge from the ear.
• A feeling of slight pain or pressure in the ear.
• Hearing small sounds like "chit chit" inside the ear.
• Hearing may be slightly blurred (this may last for about six weeks, don't worry).

Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used for the first few days of pain. However, if the pain is unbearable, let your doctor know .

It takes about 10 to 14 days to fully recover. That means all the pain and discomfort should be gone. However, it can take about three months for hearing to fully return to normal .

If your child has had surgery, keep a close eye on their condition. Usually, your child can return to school in about three to five days. Ask your doctor for advice.

How to stay safe at home? Do's and don'ts

How you take care of yourself at home is very important for the success of the surgery. Follow the instructions given by your doctor exactly. Here are some general things to follow.

When should I see the doctor again?

You will be asked to come back to the doctor's office about two to three weeks after the surgery. At that time, they will check how your eardrum is healing. You may be given another day to check your hearing in about two to three months.

In the meantime, if you experience the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

Anyone can get a perforated eardrum. It can be caused by a deep cut during ear cleaning or a middle ear infection. Most of the time, these perforations heal on their own. But if they don't, tympanoplasty can help you hear better and stay connected to the world. Your doctor will decide if this surgery is the best option for you.