The eardrum is a very thin membrane located between the outer and the middle ear, that is fragile and may burst under heavy pressure. Tympanoplasty is a restorative surgery that treats eardrum rupture and perforation. To reconstruct this tympanic membrane, also known as the myringa, an ENT surgeon removes damaged tissue from the middle ear after cleaning it. Then, he reconstructs the torn eardrum by putting in an autograft.
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- Pains
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- The operation lasts between 1 to 2 hours
- Back to sports activities after one month
- Total recovery after 2 months of operation
- 98%
What is Tympanoplasty?
During tympanoplasty, the surgeon makes a small cut behind the ear and takes a small piece of skin. He then places it at the site of the tympanic perforation. A small scar is left behind the ear. The size of the skin used depends on the size of the eardrum's hole. Sutures are sometimes used if a homeostatic sponge (Gelfoam) is needed to support the graft material. This operation is usually combined with ossiculoplasty, in case of problems with the ossicles of the middle ear.
Myringoplasty Vs Tympanoplasty
Both of the surgeries are performed on the middle ear to repair the perforated eardrum, but there are some differences. Myringoplasty is aimed at repairing a perforation in the tympanic membrane that might be due to trauma or infection. The main goal of this procedure is to close the perforation using autograft, restoring the integrity of the eardrum.
On the other hand, tympanoplasty is performed to address any damage caused to the middle ear structures, including bones. It's aimed to improve hearing, restore the functionality of the middle ear, and prevent recurrent infections. So while both myringoplasty and tympanoplasty involve repairing the eardrum, tympanoplasty is the more complex procedure.
Causes of perforation in an eardrum
There are many causes of tympanic membrane perforation, including:
- Scuba diving;
- A sudden loud noise such as an explosion;
- Heavy blow to the ear;
- Poking a sharp object deep inside the ear, such as cotton buds;
- Rapid changes in air pressure (Barotrauma),such as when flying.
Perforated tympanic membrane repercussions
A ruptured eardrum can lead to several consequences and complications, depending on the size of the perforation and the underlying cause. Some potential repercussions of a perforated tympanic membrane include:
- Tinnitus (ringing and buzzing inside the middle ear);
- Vertigo (Spinning in the head);
- Otalgia (pain in the ear);
Indeed, decreased hearing is frequently observed in such patients.
How is an ENT Checkup Done?
An ear doctor uses an otoscope (a little tube with an internal light) to check the ear canal for possible health problems. These include common symptoms such as eardrumrupture and possible liquid accumulations such as ear wax and pus. These can impair hearing by blocking the ear canal. Hearing is measured by audiometry which can evaluate the hearing loss, which is proportionate to the extent of the perforation. The ENT surgeon who is specialized in otorhinolaryngology surgery also checks your throat and nose for possible problems.
Tympanoplasty types in our Istanbul clinics
Tympanic membrane surgery mainly aims to repair a perforated eardrum or ossicles (small bones in the middle ear). Several tympanoplasty types are designed to address specific issues within the ear, such as myringoplasty, classified as type I. This procedure involves placing a graft taken from the patient's tissue in order to close the hole of the eardrum. The patient may also undergo a tympanoplasty with ossiculoplasty (tympanoplasty type II) when both the eardrum and the ossicles are damaged.
If the patient suffers from partial or complete erosion of one or more ossicles causing perforation in the eardrum, the surgeon performs a tympanoplasty type III. A more complex tympanoplasty type is the fifth one in which the surgeon may perform a reconstruction of the ossicular chain, repair the eardrum, and improve hearing by using a prosthetic device. The last type is the tympanomastoidectomy (type IV) which is used to repair the perforation of the eardrum and the infection in the middle ear called also cholesteatoma.
Possible Complications After an Ear Reconstructive Surgery
After tympanoplasty surgery, you may experience dizziness, ear pain, or also temporary hearing loss. However, more serious complications may arise, such as deafness and Bell's palsy (also known as Peripheral Facial Paralysis). For patients who have lost their hearing, a cochlear implant may be the solution. Indeed, ear Infections may also occur in the form of purulent otorrhea or even meningitis.
Post-surgical Care After a Tympanoplasty
A medical examination is required after the operation. The ear is covered with a dressing to keep away foreign bodies. An analgesic and antibiotics are prescribed by the treating doctor. The patient should avoid intense physical activities and heavy workouts for one month. Flying by plane during this period is not recommended. Two months later, the patient must undergo clinical tests to see if the eardrum is completely healed before going back to normal life.
Find qualified Eardrum Repair Doctors in Istanbul, Turkey
The ear is a very complicated organ, it must be treated gently and should not be left in the hands of incompetent people. This is why you should choose your doctor carefully, and opt for the best tympanoplasty and eardrum repair doctors according to real reviews.
How to find the Best Tympanoplasty and Eardrum Repair Doctors?
Eardrum problems are serious and may lead to deafness. That's why it is critical to diagnose and treat them before it is too late. However, you must not rush before undergoing this surgery, a good eardrum repair doctor will take his time with you and do all the necessary pre-operative tests.
Cost of Tympanoplasty in Turkish Clinics
A Tympanoplasty surgery’s cost in our clinics in Istanbul, Turkey is affordable. Make a request on our website and get a custom free quote according to your budget and needs.
We have high-end surgical instruments and the latest medical equipment. Our doctors are highly qualified and have a solid experience in the field. We guarantee that you will forget once and for all about tinnitus and enjoy quiet life again.
Top-Rated Ear Clinics at an Affordable Cost
Affordable costs do not always mean mediocre services, especially when it comes to health services in Turkey. That's why you can be sure of getting high-quality and affordable health care as if you were in your homeland. Our partner clinics have a global reputation and a long history of success in the field of medicine.
Many patients have found relief from their diseases thanks to our partner Turkish doctors and surgeons who have never failed their missions.
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Tympanum surgery is a procedure that aims to repair tympanic membrane damages, caused by infections or trauma (perforation with a cotton swab, for example). This procedure also helps to improve hearing.
Tympanoplasty is indicated in case of :
- Rupture of the tympanic membrane;
- Repeated ear infections;
- Chronic ear pain with partial deafness and ear discharge;
- Rupture of the ossicular chain;
- Presence of a benign tumor.
Tympanoplasty, also called "myringoplasty" is usually performed under general anesthesia. It also requires hospitalization for several days and the cessation of professional activities, for at least a week.
The success rate of Tympanoplasty with our clinics in Turkey is 98%.
