Patient Experience with Eardrum Repair in London
Surgery and Hospital Stay:
Tympanoplasty (eardrum repair) in London is typically performed under general anaesthetic, often as a day case, meaning you can usually go home the same day once you recover from the anaesthetic. In some cases, an overnight stay may be recommended, especially if there are complications or additional procedures.
Immediate Post-Surgery:
After the operation, you may feel dizzy for a few hours, and some ear discomfort or mild pain is common. Most patients manage this with over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Dressings are placed in the ear and may need to stay for 1–2 weeks.
Recovery Timeline:
First Few Days: Rest is important. Avoid strenuous activities and keep your ear dry.
1–2 Weeks: Many people return to work or school within 1–2 weeks, though full recovery and optimal hearing restoration may take 2–3 months.
Follow-Up: You’ll have a follow-up appointment 2–3 weeks after surgery to check healing and remove dressings if needed.
Success Rate:
The operation is highly successful, especially for small holes, with about a 90% success rate. Larger perforations or factors like smoking may reduce the success rate.
Recovery Tips for Tympanoplasty
- Protect Your Ear:
Keep your ear dry—use a large piece of cotton wool covered in petroleum jelly when washing your hair.
Do not swim or get your ear wet until your surgeon confirms it is safe.
Avoid inserting anything into your ear (including cotton buds or eardrops unless prescribed).
- Activity Modifications:
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that could increase ear pressure (like blowing your nose hard or flying) until cleared by your doctor.
Do not fly until your surgeon says it’s safe, as pressure changes can affect healing.
- Diet and General Health:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of protein, iron, and fiber to support healing.
Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, and soups.
- Pain and Medication:
Use prescribed or recommended painkillers for discomfort.
Take any antibiotics or ear drops as instructed to prevent infection.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring:
Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and hearing improvement.
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice increased pain, discharge, fever, or hearing loss.
Additional Patient Insights
Most patients report a straightforward recovery, with mild discomfort and dizziness resolving quickly.
Hearing improvement is gradual and may take several months for full effect.
Avoiding water and trauma to the ear is crucial for a successful outcome.
