What is a tympanoplasty?

 

Tympanoplasty can repair a damaged (perforated or torn) eardrum, stop infection and improve hearing. During surgery you will most likely be given general anesthesia. The surgery can be expected to take 1-2 hours.

 

What causes an ear drum to become perforated?  

An eardrum perforation is most commonly caused by chronic ear infections. Certain injuries to the ear can also tear the eardrum. An eardrum with a tear or a hole in it may keep you from hearing well and may cause pain.

 

How do you repair an eardrum?

I almost always work through the ear canal to repair the eardrum, although sometimes I may make an incision behind the ear. Both approaches are considered acceptable. The eardrum is then repaired with a “graft”, or a small piece of material – typically your own tissue. It covers the tear or hole in your eardrum and is secured with a spongy “glue” that dissolves as the graft heals.

 

 

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Teach & Learn, EarErin Shellenbergertympanoplasty, ear drum, surgery