Perforated eardrum repair
Myringoplasty | Tympanoplasty
Surgery to treat a hole in the eardrum that won't heal on its own is known as myringoplasty or tympanoplasty
Can a perforated eardrum be repaired?
Need to know
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What happens during surgery? icon plus
During this procedure, a piece of tissue is taken from near the ear and grafted in place under the perforation. It may be carried out down the ear canal or through a small cut in front of or behind the ear. You may have some stitches following surgery.
After surgery you may have a head bandage for one or two days, and your ear canal will likely be packed with gauze for a couple of weeks.
This operation is done under general anaesthetic (which mean you'll be asleep) or local anaesthetic (which blocks pain in the area).
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How to prepare icon plus
A perforation in an eardrum may heal spontaneously but it could result in repeat infections and hearing loss. Your ear should be completely free of infection prior to surgery. Your consultant will let you know how to prepare before surgery.
If you're having general anaesthetic, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand. -
After surgery icon plus
The surgery is usually carried out as a day case so you won't need to stay in hospital overnight. You may need to take a week or longer off work (or, if your child is having the treatment, a week off school).
You may have some discomfort and some loss of hearing while the dressings are in place. The discomfort can be managed with prescription painkillers or paracetomal. You'll need to avoid blowing your nose too vigorously or getting water in your ears for the first few weeks after surgery, but your surgeon will let you know before your operation what to expect.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine.
Our ENT consultants
Our locations in London
From complex reconstructive ear surgery to diagnostic hearing tests and minor procedures, we provide exceptional ENT care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Private treatment to repair a perforated eardrum in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344