Tympanoplasty in Gurgaon

Signs of a perforated eardrum

• Discharge from the ear that comes and goes, often after a cold or getting water in the ear
• Reduced hearing in the affected ear
• Ringing in the ear
• A feeling of air passing through the ear while blowing the nose
• Usually no pain, unless there is an active infection

Diagnosis

The eardrum is examined with an otoscope or ear endoscope, which shows the size and position of the hole. A hearing test (pure tone audiometry) measures the hearing loss. If there is long-standing discharge, a foul smell, or concern about cholesteatoma (a skin cyst in the middle ear), a CT scan of the temporal bone may be advised.

When is tympanoplasty needed?

• The hole has not healed after about three months
• The ear keeps discharging every time water gets in or after colds
• There is hearing loss due to the perforation
• You want to be able to swim or bathe without worrying about the ear

The ear is usually made dry with medicines before surgery, because operating on a dry ear gives better graft results.

How tympanoplasty is done

The hole is closed with a graft, usually a thin layer of the patient's own tissue, such as temporalis fascia (from above the ear) or cartilage. The surgery can be done through the ear canal with a microscope or an endoscope, or through a small cut behind the ear, depending on the size and position of the hole. It usually takes one to two hours under general or local anaesthesia. If the small bones of hearing are damaged, they may be repaired at the same time (ossiculoplasty). If there is disease in the mastoid bone, a mastoidectomy may be combined.

Recovery and precautions

• Most patients go home the same day or the next day.
• A pack is placed in the ear canal and removed at follow-up after one to three weeks.
• Keep the ear completely dry. Cover it while bathing and don't swim until the doctor confirms healing.
• Don't blow your nose forcefully. Sneeze with the mouth open.
• Avoid air travel and heavy lifting for a few weeks, unless advised otherwise.
• Hearing may feel blocked at first because of the pack. Improvement is assessed with a hearing test after the graft has healed, usually after six to eight weeks.

Risks

Tympanoplasty is a common ear operation. The main risk is that the graft may not take fully, in which case a small hole may remain. Other uncommon risks include infection, a change in taste on one side of the tongue, dizziness, ringing and, rarely, further hearing loss or facial nerve weakness. These are discussed before surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my hearing come back after tympanoplasty?

Hearing often improves if the loss was due to the hole. If the small hearing bones or the inner ear are affected, the improvement may be less.

Can I swim after the surgery?

Only after the doctor confirms the eardrum has healed fully, usually after a few months. Until then, keep the ear dry.

Is tympanoplasty painful?

Discomfort is usually mild and managed well with painkillers.

What is the tympanoplasty cost in Gurgaon?

The cost depends on the type of surgery (with or without mastoidectomy or ossicle repair), the anaesthesia and the hospital stay. You will get an estimate after examination and tests.

Is tympanoplasty covered under insurance or Ayushman card?

Tympanoplasty is usually covered by health insurance and is part of PMJAY packages for eligible patients. See the Ayushman card page.

Book a consultation

Call +91-8178774813 or use the appointment page. Related: ear specialist in Gurgaon and ear infections: when to see a doctor.