Perforated Ear Drum

Perforated ear drum can happen following an ear infection or due to trauma (eg diving, flying, cotton bud). Repairing the ear drum (myringoplasty/tympanoplasty) is usually a straightforward operation with a high success rate of around 90%.

Often, it is possible to do the operation through the earhole without any external cuts, using a camera (endoscopic ear surgery). Sometimes, however a cut behind the ear is necessary. Once successfully repaired, you will normally be able to resume normal activities (including swimming & watersports) within 6-8 weeks.

There are some small risks, including bleeding, infection, failure, temporary taste disturbance, tinnitus and a tiny risk of damaging the hearing, balance or causing facial weakness.

Find out more here.