Tympanoplasty Recovery Guide

What should I expect?

Tympanoplasty repairs a hole in the eardrum with a graft (a small patch, usually of your own tissue). Many are now done through the ear canal with a small camera (an endoscope), with no incision behind the ear. Afterward, expect:

• A sore ear for the first few days, and a sore incision if you have one.
• Hearing that is worse at first, with ear fullness and popping sounds. This comes from the packing in the ear.
• Mild drainage. Place a cotton ball at the ear opening to catch it as needed.
• Mild dizziness for the first few days.

How do I keep the ear dry?

Keep the ear completely dry until your surgeon clears you, usually at least 1 month. This protects the graft while it heals.

• You may shower 24 hours after surgery. Place a cotton ball just outside the ear canal and coat the outside of it with Vaseline to keep water out.
• Do not swim, bathe, or put your head under water until your surgeon clears you.
• Do not remove any packing from the ear canal, and be careful when removing the cotton ball.
• Do not use cotton swabs (Q-tips) in the ear.

How do I care for the incision?

• If an ear shield was placed, leave it in place for 24 hours.
• If you have an incision behind the ear, apply antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin) to it twice a day.
• Do not pick at the incision or remove any skin glue.

How should I manage pain?

Take pain medicine as needed. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or both are fine.

When can I get back to normal?

• No heavy lifting or strenuous activity until your surgeon clears you, usually at least 1 month. This keeps the graft in place.
• Do not blow your nose forcefully.
• If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open, so the pressure escapes through your mouth instead of pushing on the graft.
• If your nose is stuffy, do not try to clear it by blowing. Use nasal saline spray instead.
• Follow these steps until your surgeon confirms at your follow-up visit that the ear has healed.

When should I call?