Myringoplasty (ear drum repair)

What is myringoplasty?

Myringoplasty is surgery to repair a hole (perforation) in your eardrum that has not closed by itself. A perforated eardrum is usually caused by trauma (eg being hit across your ear) or when an infection in your middle ear bursts through your eardrum.

Why have this procedure?

A hole in your eardrum makes the middle ear vulnerable to infection and may impair your hearing. Your ENT surgeon may recommend myringoplasty to prevent infections. It may also help improve your hearing.

What is involved in this procedure?

Myringoplasty is an operation that is performed in hospital, either under general anaesthetic or twilight sedation and local anaesthetic. The surgery takes between 1-1.5 hours. 

Your ENT surgeon will use a small piece of tissue (graft) from another part of your ear to cover the hole in your eardrum. They will lift your eardrum and place the graft underneath. The graft will be supported with a dissolving sponge. The surgery may be done through your ear canal or by making a small cut in front or behind your ear.

What should I expect after surgery?

After surgery, you will have dressings in place to absorb any discharge and protect your ear and any incisions. You will have ear drops to prevent infection. The graft inside your ear is held in place by packing and pressure only so you need to be careful not to put too much pressure on your ears otherwise it may get dislodged. This means avoiding activities like flying, heavy lifting or blowing your nose until cleared by your surgeon.

Where will I have my surgery?

Myringoplasty is performed in hospital and is usually booked as a day surgery. If you have private health cover, you can choose to have the surgery at North Shore Private Hospital, Castlecrag Private Hospital or Northern Beaches Hospital. If you prefer to be seen as a public patient, surgery is offered at Northern Beaches Hospital.