Myringotomy in Adults: Expected Outcomes & Recovery

Results

- Perforation of the tympanic membrane usually results in mild otorrhea that gradually decreases and stops by five days.

- Resolution of the symptoms, usually within a week, with some temporary decrease in hearing.

- Myringotomy often results in some temporary discharge of fluid for 1 to 2 weeks.

- Scarring of the eardrum (tympanic membrane), but in most cases, hearing is not affected because the eardrum heals within a few weeks, restoring normal hearing.

- In a few cases, a persistent perforation may require further treatment.