The eardrum is a thin layer of the tissue which is present at the end of the ear canal and it helps in hearing. When there is a hole in the eardrum so this perforated eardrum cannot be repaired on its own. It is because when the tympanic membrane (TM) gets damaged then it leads to non-healing perforation.

So, through this operation the hole in the eardrum is repaired which is a micro procedure in which a microscope is used to fix holes in the eardrum of kids and adults.

Types of Tympanoplasty

It is differentiated into five types and these are as follows:-

Type 1 – It includes repairing the TM without middle ear abnormality.
Type 2 – Repairing of TM and middle ear with eroded malleus.
Type 3 – Grafting of TM onto the stapes head and malleus and incus get defected.
Type 4 – Stapes footplate of the TM is grafted which is movable.
Type 5 – It involves the repairing of the stapes which are fixed.

Why is Tympanoplasty Surgery Required?

It is performed when the eardrum does not get healed on its own then is required. There are some causes which lead to opting for Tympanoplasty in adults and children.

Ear injuries
Middle ear infection which is otitis media.
Eardrum is poked mistakenly while cleaning the ear.
Skin cyst in the ear

How Ruptured Eardrum is Diagnosed?

ENT specialist can determine perforated eardrum in the following ways:-

Tuning fork evaluation:– It is a two-pronged metal instrument that produces sound when it is struck. This helps to detect hearing loss in individuals.
Lab test:– It is done if there is discharge from the ear then bacterial infection is detected through its culture.
Audiology exam:– It is a test which is conducted in the soundproof room to measure hearing sounds at different pitches and volumes.
Tympanometry:– It is a device which is inserted to check the response of the eardrum and there are some patterns which show holes in the ear.

Tympanoplasty Surgery Procedure

Before surgery an ENT specialist will perform treatment which also depends on age and severity of the eardrum’s hole.

Before Treatment

Doctor will examine your ear physically by using an endoscope before performing surgery. Your medical history will be asked and some instructions will be given to you like avoid drinking and eating after midnight.

During Treatment

It involves some steps which are mentioned below:-

In this operation, a local anesthesia is given to the patient.
Then a cut is made behind or front of the ear. This incision is made through its canal and it depends on the size and location of the hole in the eardrum.
The hole in the eardrum is located with the help of a microscope. Now the surgeon will remove extra scar tissue from the middle ear.
They will take a small piece of the tissue from the patient’s body to graft the eardrum and this will help to patch the hole.
Then grafting on the eardrum is held by placing foam on the eardrum.
Now the surgeon will close the cut and the whole procedure varies from person to person which may take 15 minutes to 2 hours.