Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

• Hearing test
• Tympanogram—a test that measures how well the eardrum responds to changes in pressure

Leading up to your procedure:

• Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure
• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the procedure

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is most often used. You will be asleep. In some cases, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the ear.

Description of Procedure

A small microscope is placed in position to give the doctor a better view. A tiny incision will be made in the eardrum. Fluid from the middle ear will then be drained. In most cases, a small tube will be inserted and left in place. This will allow the drainage to continue.

No stitches will be used to close the incision. The incision will heal itself. The procedure is often done on both ears. Some doctors may use a laser beam to make the opening in the eardrum.

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How Long Will It Take?

The surgery will last about 15–20 minutes.

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications. Lidocaine ear drops may also be given to decrease pain.

Postoperative Care

Home care may include:

• Replacing cotton in the ear canal used to absorb postsurgical drainage.
• Using ear drops a few times a day.
• Monitoring your ear for drainage if water gets inside your ear.
• Using ear plugs while swimming or bathing.
• Avoiding underwater swimming and diving until further notice.
• Not cleaning your ear after surgery or placing anything other than ear drops, cotton, or ear plugs into your ear.

If ear tubes are inserted, you may feel popping, pulsation, clicking, or minor pain when burping, chewing, or yawning until the ear heals around the tubes. Complete healing without complications should occur within 4 weeks. If ear tubes were inserted, they typically fall out within 6-12 months. In some cases, surgery to remove the ear tubes may be necessary. Most eardrums heal normally after tubes come out, but visible scarring is not unusual.