About the Procedure

Tympanoplasty repairs a perforated eardrum in a child's ear. A hole in the eardrum is known as an eardrum perforation. The eardrum is a thin membrane that lies deep within the ear canal. When sound waves strike this membrane, it vibrates, assisting in sending sound waves to the inner ear, allowing people to hear.  

A hole in the eardrum could result from an ear infection, pressure change, and injury. Insertion of an ear tube or tympanoplasty surgery fixes perforation.

Why is the procedure conducted?

When the perforated eardrum is not self-repaired, doctors perform a tympanoplasty. It helps with hearing and keeps water out of the middle ear. 

The reason for a ruptured eardrum in a child is due to:

·       Infections 

·       Removal or falling out of ear tubes

·       Injury due to external force or insertion of foreign objects such as a cotton swab

·       Cholesteatoma is a growth inside or behind the eardrum. 

In the majority of cases, the eardrum is capable of self-repair. As a result, doctors closely watch the hole in a child's eardrum rather than instantly repairing it. They may have to wait years to restore one in a small child. Thus, allowing the ear to mature sufficiently to help prevent difficulties following surgery.  

Preparing for Surgery

Before the surgery

There shouldn't be much to do in the days before the surgery. The patient may need to meet with the anesthesiologist to go over the sedation plan and have the vital signs checked by the nursing staff. It is always important, to be honest with the surgeon about any new symptoms such as a recent fever or cold, medications, supplement usage, and the last time they ate or drank when answering any preoperative inquiries. 

During the surgery

The surgeon will cut behind the ear to reach the ear canal or work directly through the ear canal during a tympanoplasty. The graft, acquired either from the patient's cartilage or synthetic material, closes the perforated eardrums. To keep the graft secure, doctors use packing around it.

 A tympanoplasty operation takes an average of two hours to complete. If there is an injury to the bones of the middle ear, it is replaced with a prosthetic device. A total or partial ossicular replacement prosthesis will be recommended by the healthcare practitioner. 

After the surgery

It takes several hours for the anaesthetic to wear off completely before driving. Avoiding strenuous exercise, straining, and heavy lifting is advised for a minimum of two weeks. The patient should also wait for confirmation from the surgeon before flying.

Elevate the head of the bed when sleeping to decrease puffiness. After a tympanoplasty, hearing improves gradually. Therefore, be patient with the results in the early stages of recovery.

Risks or Complications 

A tympanoplasty carries a low risk of bleeding or infection. Other dangers include the following:

• Failure of the transplant
• Hearing loss that does not improve or worsens
• A ringing sensation in the ear
• A peculiar flavor in the tongue
• Dizziness

Conclusion 

After tympanoplasty, patients may fully recover in approximately two to three months. The hearing will gradually begin when the packing material melts completely. A thorough hearing test will be performed eight to twelve weeks after surgery by the healthcare professional.

After a tympanoplasty, more operations or treatments are uncommon. To ensure a safe recovery, follow the surgeon's recommendations.