Consultant ENT Surgeon, Micro Ear & Endoscopy Skull Base Specialist
Leading Cochlear Implant Surgeon
+91 9377034673
Leading Cochlear Implant Surgeon
+91 9377034673
+91 9377034673
The ear consists of the outer, middle and inner ear. Sound travels through the outer ear and reach the eardrum, causing it to vibrate. The vibration is transmitted through three tiny bones (ossicles) in the middle ear. The vibration then enters the inner ear where the nerve cells are. The nerve cells within the inner ear are stimulated to produce nerve signals. These nerve signals are carried to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound. A hole in the eardrum is known as a “perforation”. It can be caused by infection or injury to the eardrum. Quite often a hole in the eardrum may heal itself. Sometimes it does not cause any problem. However a hole in the eardrum may cause a discharge from the ear. If the hole in the eardrum is large, then the hearing may be reduced. The hole in the eardrum can be identified using a special instrument called an otoscope. You will need an examination by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) to rule out any hidden infection behind the perforation. The amount of hearing loss can be determined only by careful hearing tests. A severe hearing loss usually means that the ossicles are not working properly, or the inner ear is damaged. If the hole in the eardrum has only just occurred, no treatment may be required. The eardrum may simply heal itself. If an infection is present you may need antibiotics. You should avoid getting water in the ear. If the hole in the eardrum is causing discharge or deafness, or if you wish to swim, it may be sensible to have the hole repaired. The operation is called a “myringoplasty”. You should discuss with your surgeon whether to wait and see, or have surgery now. The benefits of closing a perforation include prevention of water entering the middle ear while showering, bathing or swimming (which could cause ear infection). It can be done as part of a mastoid operation (see leaflet on mastoid surgery). Repairing the eardrum alone seldom leads to great improvement of hearing. A cut is made behind the ear or above the ear opening. The material used to patch the eardrum is taken from under the skin. This eardrum “graft” is placed against the eardrum. Dressings are placed in the ear canal. You may have an external dressing and a head bandage for 7-8 days. Occasionally, your surgeon may need to widen the ear canal with a drill to get to the perforation. The operation can successfully close a small hole nine times out of ten. The success rate is not quite so good if the hole is large. There are some risks that you must be aware of before giving consent to this treatment. These potential complications are rare. You should consult your surgeon about the likelihood of problems in your case. The taste nerve runs close to the eardrum and may occasionally be damaged. This can cause an abnormal taste on one side of the tongue. This is usually temporary but occasionally it can be permanent. Dizziness is common for a few hours following surgery. On rare occasions, dizziness is prolonged. In a very small number of patients, severe deafness can happen if the inner ear is damaged. Sometimes the patient may notice noise in the ear, in particular if the hearing loss worsens. The nerve for the muscle of the face runs through the ear. Therefore, there is a slight chance of a facial paralysis. The facial paralysis affects the movement of the facial muscles for closing of the eye, making a smile and raising the forehead. The paralysis could be partial or complete. It may occur immediately after surgery or have a delayed onset. Recovery can be complete or partial. Occasionally the ear may develop an allergic reaction to the dressings in the ear canal. If this happens, the pinna (outer ear) may become swollen and red. You should consult your surgeon so that he can remove the dressing from your ear. The allergic reaction should settle down after a few days. The ear may ache a little but this can be controlled with painkillers provided by the hospital.
You will usually go home the day after the operation. The stitches will be removed one to two weeks after the operation. There may be a small amount of discharge from the ear canal. This usually comes from the ear dressings. You should keep the ear dry and avoid blowing your noise too vigorously. Plug the ear with a cotton wool ball coated with Vaseline when you are having a shower or washing your hair. If the ear becomes more painful or is swollen then you should consult the Ear, Nose and Throat department. You may need to take one-two weeks off work.
Dr. Lav B. Selarka is a Accredited Consultant Ear Nose & Throat Specialist and also Over 10 years clinical experience. Established independent ENT department at Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad since 2015. Dr. Lav B. Selarka Skilled in general otolaryngology, adults and children and also Special interests in otology, rhinology, endoscopic skull base surgery, snoring and cochlear implant surgery.
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