Myringoplasty Surgery in Reading

Myringoplasty is a surgical procedure used to repair a perforated eardrum. The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, can become damaged by infection, injury, or previous ear surgery. Repairing it helps restore hearing, prevent repeated infections, and protect the middle ear from further damage.

What Is Myringoplasty?

Myringoplasty focuses on closing a hole or tear in the eardrum using a small tissue graft, usually taken from behind the ear. The operation improves hearing and reduces the risk of ear infections caused by bacteria or water entering the middle ear. It is typically performed under general anaesthetic and takes around one to two hours.

Who Needs Myringoplasty?

You may be advised to have myringoplasty if:

• You have a chronic perforation that has not healed on its own
• You experience recurrent ear infections or discharge
• Your hearing is reduced due to the perforation
• You need the ear to be watertight for swimming or diving

A specialist ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon will assess your hearing and the condition of your eardrum before recommending surgery.

What Happens During the Procedure

During myringoplasty, the surgeon lifts the eardrum and places the graft material to seal the perforation. The ear canal is then packed with a light dressing to hold the graft in place. The procedure is usually completed as a day case, meaning you can go home the same day.

Recovery After Myringoplasty

Most people recover within two to three weeks. You may experience mild discomfort, fullness in the ear, or temporary hearing loss while the dressing remains in place. The dressing is usually removed after one to two weeks, and your hearing should gradually improve as the graft heals.

Your surgeon will provide instructions such as keeping the ear dry, avoiding nose-blowing, and steering clear of heavy lifting or flying for a short period.

Possible Risks and Complications

Myringoplasty is a safe and well-established operation. As with any surgery, there are minor risks including infection, temporary dizziness, or the graft not healing completely. These issues are uncommon and are managed effectively if they arise.