Tympanoplasty

Tympanoplasty is an essential surgical procedure for reconstructing tympanic membranes and ossicles in the ear. It efficiently repairs an eardrum hole separating the middle ear from the outer ear. The tympanic membrane is a thin sheet that vibrates when hearing sound waves and helps transmit sound in the inner ear. However, infection can affect the thin membrane and its functioning, which leads to deafness and pain. Tympanoplasty surgery helps remove the disease from the middle ear, treat infection, restore hearing ability, and prevent reinfection so one can enjoy life without hassle.

Deafness can occur for various reasons, and some of the most common causes of hearing loss that require tympanoplasty are ossicular chain necrosis and tympanic membrane perforation. Tympanic membrane perforation is caused by infection or injury, which leads to improper vibration of the membrane and causes hearing loss. On the other hand, ossicular chain necrosis is a condition in which the bone in the middle ear dies and leads to improper transmission of sound waves in the ear. Both issues can easily be treated with tympanoplasty. Still, other reasons can cause hearing loss, such as ear infections, noise exposure, tumors, head injury, age-related issues, etc.

Tympanoplasty surgery is very effective in treating different hearing loss issues. It helps improve hearing, reduces the risk of infection, and relieves pain in the middle ear. Tympanoplasty removes infection or disease from the middle ear and helps in preventing the ear from future infections. It can also help restore hearing ability and allow proper hearing mechanisms. Moreover, tympanoplasty also prevents further damage to the middle ear.

The ENT specialist may recommend a proper pre-surgical procedure such as a physical examination, test, and medications, which helps in effective and efficient surgery. However, some of the standard procedures that a doctor may recommend before tympanoplasty are:

• Ear cleaning and microscopy : After physical examination, the doctor may clean the ear canal and inspect the tympanic membrane, which helps identify the right size and location of the perforation.
• Audiogram : The doctor may also perform an audiogram that helps in measuring hearing ability and knowing the severity of the condition.
• Pre-medication: Medication before surgery helps in preventing infections and their damage.

Surgery Process: Tympanoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and it is done in different steps, which are as follows:

• One-day admission/daycare : The surgeon may suggest the patient be admitted to the hospital one day before the surgery so they can offer them proper care and examine the patient’s condition. Daycare in the hospital before surgery helps prepare patients for the surgery and eliminates possible risks.
• Post aural or endaural incision. During the surgery, the surgeon made an incision behind or above the ear to treat the infection. However, if the perforation is small, the surgeon may make an incision in the ear canal and create a flap in the eardrum to treat the issue.

Tympanoplasty takes 1 to 2 hours, and the doctor may suggest a proper care routine after surgery to avoid injuries and infection. You may need to wear a bandage for a few days to prevent exposure to water. Your doctor may also suggest you avoid excessive straining or lifting heavy objects, take proper medication and precautions to avoid having a cold or URTI, follow up with doctors with instructions, and get plenty of rest so you recover quickly.