Eardrum Repair Surgery (Tympanoplasty) To Restore Hearing Loss
Tympanoplasty is the surgery to repair a perforated eardrum using a graft or prosthesis to restore hearing loss. We provide effective and long-term treatment for eardrum perforation through different types of tympanoplasty procedures and grafts. Generally, eardrum perforation happens as a result of trauma to the eardrum. In some cases, in addition to the tympanic membrane, other parts of the ear canal, like the middle ear bones, can be injured as well. During tympanoplasty surgery, the injured parts of the ear canal are removed and replaced using a graft or prosthesis.
What is Tympanoplasty?
Tympanoplasty is the treatment of eardrum perforation by repairing the hole in eardrum using a graft or prosthesis. Based on the complexity of the surgery, a tympanoplasty can be of different types; however, the most common procedure is myringoplasty. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the perforated eardrum and replaces it with a membranous tissue graft from the back of the ear.
Diagnosis and Diagnostic Tests
Tympanoplasty diagnosis is conducted through a physical examination and hearing tests. During the physical examination, the ENT doctor will collect your medical history to find out the nature and cause of the hearing loss. Once that is done, he will insert an otoscope in the ear canal to get a clearer view of the eardrum. After that, he will perform diagnostic tests to evaluate the condition:
| Diagnostic Test | Description and Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tympanometry | Performed to measure the eardrum’s response to different air pressure and detect the extent of the perforation. |
| Audiology | The doctor will play sounds of various volumes and pitches to measure the severity of the hearing loss. |
| Swab test | If there is any ear discharge, the doctor will identify if there is an infection in the middle ear. |
| Tuning fork test | A two-pronged metal instrument is used to produce sound next to the ear to evaluate hearing ability. |
The Surgical Procedure
Ear surgery can be performed endoscopically or openly. Generally, endoscopic surgery is preferred because it leaves a small and barely noticeable scar in front of and behind the ear. The surgery is performed outpatient under local anesthesia. In case only a tissue graft is required to repair the eardrum, it is extracted from the back of the ear due to its similarity to the eardrum and closeness to the surgical site.
Once you are anesthetized, the surgeon will either cut behind your ear to reach the ear canal or work through your ear canal directly. After lifting your eardrum, he will fill the hole in the eardrum using a graft of your own cartilage, a connective tissue graft, or a synthetic material graft. In case the middle ear bones are also damaged, a prosthetic implant will be placed in the place of the damaged bones during the same procedure. Finally, he will close the incision with bio-absorbable incisions and place packing in the ear canal to keep the graft in its place.
Quality and Care
The surgeon’s experience and expertise are essential factors that determine the success of a tympanoplasty. All surgical procedures performed are USFDA approved and provide patients effective long-term relief from their hearing issues. In addition to advanced treatment, we provide auxiliary services such as insurance assistance and free pre and post-surgical consultations to ensure a successful surgical outcome for the patient with a seamless surgical experience.