What is a myringoplasty?

A myringoplasty is a procedure to repair a hole in the eardrum.

What are the benefits?

Your child should have less risk of repeated ear infections and their hearing may improve.

Are there any alternatives?

Keeping your child's ear dry by placing cotton wool and Vaseline in the ear when bathing or washing their hair may prevent infection.

An infection can be treated with antibiotics and a trained healthcare practitioner can clean the ear.

A hearing aid can improve poor hearing but can also lead to more infections.

What does the procedure involve?

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes an hour to 90 minutes.

Your surgeon will need to use a graft (piece of tissue) to cover the hole. This will not change the shape of your child's ear.

Your surgeon will place the graft through a cut made either in front of or behind the ear, or inside the ear canal. They will usually lift the eardrum, place the graft underneath and support it with a dissolving sponge. They will put the eardrum back.

What can I do to prepare my child for the procedure?

Your child should try to maintain a healthy weight. They will have a higher risk of developing complications if they are overweight.

What complications can happen?

Possible complications of this procedure are shown below. Some may be serious and can even be life threatening.

General complications of any procedure

• bleeding
• infection of the surgical site (wound)
• allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication

Specific complications of this procedure

• failure of the graft
• numbness of the ear
• loss of hearing
• tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• change of taste
• allergic reaction

Consequences of this procedure

• pain
• scarring of the skin

What happens after the procedure?

They should be able to go home that day.

Your child should be able to return to school after about 2 weeks.

Protect the ear from water using cotton wool and Vaseline, and do not let your child swim until your surgeon has told you that the graft has worked.

Most people make a good recovery. Your child will need to come back after 2 to 3 weeks to have the pack removed and to check the graft.

Summary

A hole in the eardrum is a common problem. A myringoplasty can prevent infections and sometimes improve your child's hearing.

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