Most eardrum perforations are the result of a previous infection to the region. Usually the perforation heals on its own, especially in children. Many ear, nose and throat doctor’s first course of treatment for a perforated eardrum is to prescribe antibiotics to allow the eardrum to dry and self-heal. If this approach is unsuccessful, tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to reconstruct a perforated eardrum.

Bloody discharge and drainage are common symptoms of a perforated eardrum. A noticeable loss of hearing occurs in most adult cases where the eardrum has been torn. Frequent ear infections may also be an indication of a perforated eardrum. After medical attention is sought, an ear, nose and throat specialist determines the severity and if a tympanoplasty is necessary.

Procedure information
There are two common methods for a tympanoplasty procedure: making an incision in the back of the ear or going in through the ear canal. A local or general anesthetic is administered to the patient and is the procedure is usually performed on an out patient surgery basis.

A tissue graft is taken from underneath the ear and used in reconstructing the eardrum. If done through the eardrum, the surgery can last up to an hour while performing the procedure through an incision behind the ear lasts up to three hours.

Recovery time
Tympanoplasty procedures aren’t always helpful in healing perforated eardrums as longer standing perforations could be more extreme as a result of infections or possible bone erosion. Although rare, immediately after the procedure there could be a temporary loss of hearing. The packing is removed from the incision behind the ear after three weeks in the doctor’s office to see if the graft has taken. There is a hearing test up to six weeks after the tympanoplasty procedure at which point the eardrum should be completely healed.