Is A Tympanoplasty Painful?

Before panicking about any new sign and symptom that arises after tympanoplasty, it is better to know what to expect after the procedure. Here are some of the signs and symptoms you may experience:

Swelling

Swelling is a normal observation after every surgical procedure. Swelling around the ear after a tympanoplasty is normal too. It usually subsides over several weeks. 

Try sleeping with your head elevated for the first week after surgery. Make use of two to three pillows under your head or your mattress. This helps to minimize swelling.

Dizziness

You may feel dizzy due to the swelling in your inner ear. Treating the swelling may resolve the dizziness. 

If you do not suffer from gastritis, try over the counter pain medications such as ibuprofen to alleviate the swelling and prevent dizziness. Do not get up suddenly from the bed after lying down; get up slowly.

Ear discharge

You may experience bloody or watery discharge during the healing process. You can place a small cotton ball at the opening of the ear as needed for drainage. If the discharge is greenish-yellow or foul-smelling, it may be a sign of infection. Contact your doctor.

Fever

It is normal to get a low-grade fever after tympanoplasty. Taking acetaminophen pills will usually resolve it. If the fever goes up to 101°F, contact your doctor or visit the nearest emergency center.

Taste disturbance and dry mouth

You may have taste disturbance and dry mouth for a few weeks after the surgery. 

Improvement in hearing

Usually, normal hearing is restored within 4-6 months after tympanoplasty.

Full recovery from tympanoplasty can take 2-3 months. If other surgeries such as mastoidectomy is also performed along with tympanoplasty, it will take significantly more time. Here is what you should do to speed up the recovery process:

• Do not strain, blow your nose, or cough excessively. Remember to keep your mouth open while sneezing for at least 2 weeks after the surgery.
• Avoid heavy workouts, sports, or playing musical instruments that require blowing (such as trumpet, clarinet, and saxophone) for at least 1 month after surgery. Increase the activities gradually after a month.
• Swimming, diving, and water skiing should not be done for 2 months after surgery.
• Do not bend over and lift heavy objects for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
• You may shower and wash your hair 3 days after the surgery. Please use earplugs or a cotton ball dipped in petroleum jelly while doing so.
• Avoid going to crowded places or meeting people who are sick for at least a month after the surgery. If you catch a cold, it may spread to your ear and complicate the healing process.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions after the surgery. If you have any additional concerns, do not hesitate to ask them.