Care for a Damaged Eardrum
Expert evaluation for perforated eardrums, hearing changes, and ear complications.
Understanding an Eardrum Perforation
An eardrum perforation is a hole or tear in the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. It may result from an infection, trauma such as a cotton swab injury, a slap to the ear, or a sudden pressure change, or as a complication of ear tube placement. Small perforations may heal on their own, while larger or persistent perforations generally do not.
Symptoms of an Eardrum Perforation
Hearing loss, usually conductive, because the eardrum is not vibrating normally
Ear drainage, particularly with water exposure or infection
Ear pain when the injury occurs
Tinnitus
Increased susceptibility to ear infections
Tympanoplasty: Surgical Repair
Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure used to repair an eardrum perforation. A small graft, typically taken from tissue behind the ear or cartilage, is used to close the hole. The goal is to restore the eardrum, improve hearing, and reduce the risk of recurring infections.
In some cases, the middle ear bones, or ossicles, are also damaged and need reconstruction. This procedure, called ossiculoplasty, may be performed at the same time or as a staged procedure.
Recovery After Tympanoplasty
Recovery typically involves keeping the ear dry for several weeks and avoiding activities that increase ear pressure. When hearing improves, the change is usually noticeable within a few months as the graft heals.