Ear Surgery: Repairing Eardrums and Restoring Hearing

The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, is a delicate structure that plays an important role in hearing and protecting the middle ear. Sometimes, it can become damaged — usually from infections, injury, or a previous operation such as grommet insertion. When a hole or perforation doesn’t heal on its own, it may require a small operation called a myringoplasty.

Myringoplasty is an ear surgery that aims to close the hole in the eardrum, improve hearing, and reduce the risk of ongoing ear infections. It is a routine and highly effective procedure, commonly performed on both adults and children.

Myringoplasty is usually done under general anaesthetic and typically takes 1–2 hours. In most cases, the surgeon uses a small piece of tissue (often taken from behind the ear) to patch the hole in the eardrum. This graft is carefully placed to allow the eardrum to heal naturally over time.

The operation is usually performed through the ear canal, without the need for visible cuts. Occasionally, a small incision may be made behind the ear if better access is needed.

Most patients go home the same day. A dressing may be placed in the ear canal to protect the graft and support healing. It’s important to keep the ear dry and avoid strenuous activity or nose blowing for a few weeks. A follow-up appointment will be arranged to check healing and remove any packing.

Hearing may be muffled at first but often improves once the eardrum has fully healed, usually within a few weeks.

Mr James Ramsden, a highly experienced ENT consultant in Oxford, specialises in ear surgery, including procedures such as myringoplasty. He has a particular interest in helping patients with hearing problems caused by eardrum damage, infections, or childhood conditions.

Mr Ramsden is known for his calm, patient-centred approach and uses advanced microsurgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes with minimal discomfort and scarring.

If you or your child has a persistent eardrum perforation, repeated ear infections, or hearing loss, you may benefit from surgical repair. Mr Ramsden and his team offer comprehensive assessment, gentle care, and expert treatment to help restore ear health and hearing.