Tympanoplasty in Children

Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure in which the eardrum, or tympanic membrane, is repaired. It may be performed as day surgery. In some situations, hospitalization is required. Tympanoplasty is typically not performed in a child younger than 4 years old.

History

• The first attempt to surgically repair the tympanic membrane was in 1640. In this early attempt, a pig's bladder was used to repair the damaged eardrum.

Function

• In children, tympanoplasty is usually performed to repair an eardrum that is damaged to the point hearing is impaired. This procedure may also correct birth defects affecting the eardrum and other structures of the middle ear.

Effects

• In tympanoplasty, tissue from the body is used to repair or replace the damaged eardrum. The goal of the repair is to restore, or improve, hearing.

Considerations

• The procedure requires a small incision behind the ear and will be covered by a dressing or bandage afterward. The doctor will provide information on how to care for the incision to prevent infection or complications.

Warning

• The doctor should to be notified if any of these symptoms are observed in a child immediately after a tympanoplasty: dizziness, increased redness and swelling at the incision site or an oral fever of 100.5 or higher.