What is a myringoplasty?

A myringoplasty is a procedure to repair a hole (perforation) in your eardrum.

What are the benefits?

You should have less risk of repeated ear infections and your hearing may improve.

Are there any alternatives?

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

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

A hearing aid can improve poor hearing.

What will happen if I decide not to have the procedure or the procedure is delayed?

Ear infections may continue and will cause your hearing to get worse.

Infection can spread either to the bone behind your ear, causing mastoiditis (risk: 7 in 10,000), or to your brain, causing meningitis or a brain abscess (risk: 1 in 10,000).

Contact your healthcare team if you experience either of the following:

• dizziness
• discharge from the affected ear

What does the procedure involve?

The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but a local anaesthetic can be used. The procedure usually takes between 1 hour and 90 minutes.

Your surgeon will need to use a graft (piece of tissue) to cover the hole.

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

How can I prepare myself for the procedure?

If you smoke, stopping smoking now may reduce your risk of developing complications and will improve your long-term health.

Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight.

Regular exercise should help you prepare for the procedure, help you recover and improve your long-term health.

Speak to the healthcare team about any vaccinations you may need to reduce your risk of serious illness while you recover. When you come into hospital, practise hand washing and wear a face covering when asked.

What complications can occur?

General complications of any procedure

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

Possible complications specific to this procedure

• failure of the graft
• numbness of your ear
• loss of hearing
• tinnitus (ringing in your ear)
• change of taste
• allergic reaction to the packing material used

Consequences of this procedure

• pain
• scarring of your skin

What happens after the procedure?

If a head bandage has been used, it will usually be removed after 3 to 4 hours.

You should be able to go home that day.

You should be able to return to work after about 2 weeks.

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

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities sooner. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

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

Summary

A myringoplasty can prevent infections and sometimes improve your hearing.

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