This page gives you information about a myringoplasty. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

What is a Myringoplasty?

A myringoplasty is an ENT operation to repair a hole in your eardrum.

A perforation is usually caused by an infection in your middle ear that bursts through your eardrum (see figure 1).

It can also be caused by trauma (for example, being hit across your ear).

A perforated eardrum can lead to repeated ear infections and poorer hearing.

Figure 1 - Myringoplasty

What are the Benefits of Myringoplasty?

You should have less risk of repeated ear infections and your hearing may improve.

Are There any Alternatives to Myringoplasty?

Keeping your ear dry by placing cotton wool and Vaseline in your ear when bathing or washing your hair may prevent infection.

An infection can be treated with antibiotics and a trained healthcare practitioner can clean your ear. A hearing aid can improve poor hearing.

The Procedure

What Does Myringoplasty Involve?

The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but a local anaesthetic can be used. The operation usually takes an hour to 90 minutes.

Your surgeon will need to use a graft (piece of tissue) to cover the hole.

Your surgeon will place the graft through a cut made either in front of or behind your ear, or inside your ear canal. They will lift your eardrum and place the graft underneath it and support it with a dissolving sponge. They will put your eardrum back.

What Complications can Happen?

General Complications

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection of the surgical site (wound)
  • Unsightly scarring
  • Blood clots

To enquire about perforated eardrum treatment (Myringoplasty) at New Victoria Hospital, call 020 8949 9020 or fill out our contact form.

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Consultants and Clinic Times

Mr Behrad Elmiyeh

MB BS, MRCS, DO HNS, FRCS (ORL-HNS) Eng
Specialities
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Profile and clinic times

Mr Enyi Ofo

BSc(Hons) MBBS(Lond) DOHNS FRCS(ORL-HNS) PhD
Specialities
ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat), Head & Neck/Thyroid Surgeon
Profile and clinic times

Mr Parag Patel

FRCS (ORL-HNS), MSc Allergy, MBBS, BSc (hons), DO HNS
Specialities
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Profile and clinic times
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