Tympanoplasty is surgery to repair a hole in the eardrum. The surgery can repair a damaged eardrum, stop infection, and improve hearing. During surgery, you may be given general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation. Tympanoplasty takes about
How to say it
tihm-PAN-oh-plas-tee
MAS-toyd-ehk-toh-mee
Infection and injury
Your eardrum may become damaged by chronic ear infections. Certain injuries to the ear can also tear the eardrum. An eardrum with a tear or a hole in it may keep you from hearing well. It may also cause ear pain or recurrent infection.
Repairing the eardrum
The eardrum can be reached through the ear canal. Or your surgeon may make an incision behind the ear. Both approaches may be used. Then the eardrum is repaired with a graft. A graft is a small piece of material, often your own tissue. It covers the tear or hole in your eardrum. The graft is secured with a spongy substance. This substance dissolves as the graft heals. If the ear bones are damaged, your own ossicles can be repositioned. Or a prosthesis can be placed in an attempt to improve hearing.
Online Medical Reviewer: Ashutosh Kacker MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Need Help? We're Here for You
Our Member and Recipient Services Team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.
800-510-9132
Call NC Quitline
Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:
800-784-8669
Schedule Transportation
Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.
800-510-9132
Provider Directory
Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist?
Provider DirectoryRelated Articles
Ossicular Chain Reconstruction: Three Bones
This surgery can improve conductive hearing. In some cases, all 3 middle ear bones are replaced.
Cochlear Implant Surgery
A cochlear implant is a device that helps reverse nerve-related hearing loss. It can treat hearing loss that will not respond to hearing aids. During cochlear implant surgery, the device is implanted into the inner ear (cochlea). A few weeks after surgery, the device is turned on and hearing is restored.
Self-Care for Sore Throats
Sore throats happen for many reasons, such as colds, allergies, and infections caused by viruses or bacteria. Your goal for self-care is to reduce your discomfort while giving your throat a chance to heal.
Treating Dysarthria
Dysarthria happens when the part of the brain that controls speech production is damaged. There may be problems with speech and tone. Working with a speech therapist can help. Read on to learn more.
