Ear Surgery

Tympanoplasty or reconstruction of the middle ear hearing mechanism serves the purpose of rebuilding the eardrum and/or the middle ear bones. The surgical approach involves either an incision down in the ear canal by the eardrum or behind the ear. Cartilage and/or fascia are harvested from or around the ear to add support to the reconstruction. On occasion a mastoidectomy procedure is required in order to improve the chances of success. This involves removing the honeycomb bone behind the ear and entering the middle ear space from behind.

Results vary depending on the pre-operative disease present and the underlying hearing. Failure to improve is not a complication, but a risk in 10-20% of cases. Success depends as much on the body’s ability to heal and support the reconstruction as the technical aspects.

The reasons you should be considering tympanoplasty will be discussed with Dr. Speyer prior to scheduling. All of the possible indications are too many to list here and should be reviewed with Dr. Speyer with regards to your specific needs.

Dr. Speyer will discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives to this procedure with you in detail. Listed below are some of the disclosed risks of undergoing tympanoplasty. By reading and signing below, you are stating that you indeed understand the nature of the procedure, the risks as listed, and alternatives to undergoing the procedure. You may consider observing your condition or get fitted with a hearing aid.

Risks of tympanoplasty include but are not limited to hearing loss (1-3%), failure to improve hearing, the need for revision surgery, dizziness, tinnitus or ringing of the ears, facial nerve injury resulting in facial weakness or paralysis either temporary or permanent requiring additional treatment and/or surgery to correct, tympanic membrane perforation (1-2%), numbness around the ear, jaw joint stiffness or soreness, taste alteration or dry mouth, spinal fluid leakage and other intracranial complications such as hemorrhage and or infection which are found in the medical literature but are considered rare occurrences.

Lastly, since you are undergoing a general anesthetic, this alone carries its own risks regardless of the surgery considered. The risks of general anesthesia include, but are not limited to, the risk of heart attack, stroke, drug reactions, and even death. You should discuss your specific risks assessment with the anesthesiologist during your preoperative anesthetic appointment.

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