Eardrum Repair (Tympanoplasty)
Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to repair a damaged or perforated eardrum. It may be recommended when a perforation does not heal on its own or when chronic ear problems affect the function and health of the middle ear.
Dr. Prakhar Kumar evaluates the ear, eardrum, hearing status, and underlying condition before recommending tympanoplasty. The procedure aims to close the perforation, protect the middle ear, and support improvement in hearing when appropriate. Book a consultation.
Conditions
Tympanoplasty may be considered for persistent eardrum damage or selected middle-ear conditions requiring surgical repair.
- Persistent perforation of the eardrum
- Chronic ear infection with eardrum perforation
- Recurrent ear discharge associated with a perforation
- Hearing loss related to eardrum damage
- Eardrum damage following an ear injury
- Eardrum perforation that does not heal naturally
- Selected middle-ear conditions requiring repair
- Structural damage affecting the function of the eardrum
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with an eardrum perforation can vary depending on its size, location, and the presence of middle-ear disease.
- Reduced or muffled hearing
- Repeated ear discharge
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
- Recurrent ear infections
- Occasional dizziness or imbalance
- Difficulty hearing conversations clearly
Causes
An eardrum can become perforated or damaged due to infection, injury, pressure changes, or other ear conditions.
- Chronic or recurrent ear infections
- Severe middle-ear infection
- Accidental injury to the ear
- Sudden pressure changes
- Insertion of objects into the ear
- Previous ear surgery or procedures
- Persistent inflammation of the middle ear
- Trauma affecting the eardrum
Treatment
Tympanoplasty is planned after a detailed assessment of the eardrum, middle ear, hearing level, and underlying cause of the perforation.
- Detailed ENT consultation and ear examination
- Oto endoscopic examination of the ear
- Assessment of the size and location of the perforation
- Hearing assessment and audiometry when required
- Assessment of the middle ear and surrounding structures
- Surgical repair of the perforated eardrum when indicated
- Management of associated middle-ear disease
- Postoperative ear care and follow-up
Benefits
Eardrum repair can help restore the integrity of the eardrum and may improve ear health and hearing when appropriate.
- Helps close the eardrum perforation
- Helps reduce recurrent ear discharge
- Protects the middle ear from external exposure
- May improve hearing in suitable cases
- Helps reduce recurrent middle-ear infections
- Supports improved ear function
- Addresses structural damage to the eardrum
- Provides long-term management for selected chronic ear conditions
Prevention
Protecting the ears and treating infections promptly can help reduce the risk of eardrum damage and recurrent ear problems.
- Treat ear infections promptly
- Avoid inserting cotton buds or objects into the ear
- Keep a perforated ear dry as advised
- Avoid using ear drops without medical advice
- Protect the ears from injury and excessive noise
- Seek medical care for persistent ear discharge
- Do not ignore sudden hearing changes or ear pain
- Attend regular ENT follow-up when recommended