Tympanoplasty (Eardrum Repair)
A surgical procedure to repair a perforated eardrum and, where needed, reconstruct the small bones of the middle ear, aimed at restoring hearing and preventing recurrent ear infections.
Who Needs It
Recommended for patients with a persistent hole in the eardrum caused by chronic infection, injury or a previous ear procedure, especially when it leads to repeated ear discharge, hearing loss or a higher risk of further infection.
How It's Performed
Under local or general anaesthesia, the surgeon grafts a small piece of the patient's own tissue over the perforation to seal it. If the tiny bones of the middle ear (ossicles) have also been damaged, they may be repaired or reconstructed in the same operation to improve sound conduction.
Preparing for Surgery
Before surgery, patients undergo a hearing test and an examination of the ear, sometimes with imaging, to assess the extent of the damage. The ear must be free of active infection or discharge at the time of surgery for the best results.
Benefits
Successful tympanoplasty closes the eardrum perforation, reduces the frequency of ear infections and discharge, and in most cases improves hearing, particularly when combined with reconstruction of the middle ear bones.
Risks & Complications
As with any ear surgery, tympanoplasty carries some risk, including infection, incomplete closure of the perforation, taste disturbance, dizziness, or in rare cases, further hearing changes. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risk factors beforehand.
Life After Surgery
Most patients notice a gradual improvement in ear comfort and hearing over the weeks following surgery, with the eardrum continuing to heal and strengthen for several months.
Price Range
Price on Consultation
Recovery Timeline
The ear is packed and protected, with water kept strictly out of the ear canal while the graft begins to settle.
Regular follow-up visits allow the surgeon to monitor healing and remove any packing, while patients avoid air travel, swimming and forceful nose-blowing.
A follow-up hearing test evaluates the improvement in hearing once the eardrum has fully healed, guiding any further treatment if needed.