Myringoplasty (Eardrum repair)
Myringoplasty is an operation to repair a hole in your eardrum, known as an eardrum perforation. It can prevent infections and sometimes improve your hearing.
What is a myringoplasty?
Myringoplasty is a surgery to repair a large hole (perforation) in your eardrum that has not healed itself within a few weeks. A perforated eardrum can be caused by trauma or an infection in your middle ear that bursts through your eardrum, and can lead to repeated ear infections and poorer hearing.
This operation is usually done under general anaesthetic or sometimes local anaesthetic and takes between an hour and an hour and a half. It involves using a piece of tissue, called a graft, to cover the hole. It may be carried out down your ear canal or through a small cut in front of or behind your ear. Your surgeon will usually lift your eardrum, place the graft underneath, support it with a dissolving sponge and replace your eardrum.
What is the difference between myringoplasty and tympanoplasty?
Myringoplasty and tympanoplasty are surgeries used to close a hole in your eardrum.
Myringoplasty is also known as type 1 tympanoplasty. Both refer to a simple surgical repair of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). There are other types of tympanoplasty that include the repair of the tympanic membrane as well as other middle ear components such as the small bones (ossicles) of hearing called the malleus, incus, and stapes.
Does a myringoplasty improve hearing?
It helps prevent recurring middle ear infections and it may improve your hearing.
What is the recovery process after a myringoplasty procedure
You can expect to be able to go home the day of your procedure and return to work after about two weeks, depending upon your job.
Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
The procedure does not usually cause much pain afterwards but if you experience any discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relief.
You should avoid getting your ear wet after your operation. A helpful tip is to place cotton wool covered in petroleum jelly in your ear when having a shower or bath.
We will arrange a follow-up appointment about two or three weeks after your operation to check the graft. You should avoid certain activities before this appointment including swimming, smoking, flying, sports and strenuous activities, blowing your nose too hard and contact with sick people who could pass on an infection.
What is the cost of a myringoplasty procedure
You will receive a formal quotation price for your ear perforation repair surgery after your consultation with one of our expert ENT surgeons and following any required tests. This formal quote for your surgery will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.
Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers and this procedure is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before your procedure.
We offer a number of finance options to pay for your surgery, including: All-inclusive Total Care where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price delivers direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance, pay as you go and, medical finance loans.
Myringoplasty at Ramsay Health Care UK
Ramsay Health Care UK is pleased to offer myringoplasty surgery to repair patient’s perforated eardrums to preclude infections and often improve hearing.
Our highly experienced ENT surgeons regularly perform myringoplasty and other tympanoplasty procedures for patients who have a hole in their eardrum due to infection or trauma.
We offer easy and fast access to conveniently arranged consultations and surgery so you won’t have to wait for your diagnosis and treatment.
All UK Ramsay hospitals follow strict infection control protocols to keep everyone in our hospitals safe from infections, including Covid 19.
