Outer and Middle Ear Surgery

Ear surgery to repair structural damage

Hearing can be damaged by structural malformation or trauma to the ear. Structural damage or malformation of the outer or middle ear can be repaired to help restore hearing with a surgical procedure at Florida ENT Associates.

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What Ear Surgeries are Performed to Repair Structural Damage?

The proper surgical procedure will vary depending on which area of the ear needs to be repaired and what the damage is to the outer or middle ear. The following are common surgeries performed to repair the structure of the outer and middle ear and restore the hearing.

Stapedectomy

The stape is located in the middle ear. When the bone structure is intact, this bone conducts sound through the ear. For patients whose stape does not develop correctly, which is common in the case of otosclerosis, or whose stape is damaged by hardening tissue, surgery is required. The stapedectomy is performed to allow proper sound and vibration through the ears. This procedure repairs the hearing by replacing the stape with a prosthetic.

Tympanoplasty

Eardrum damage can be caused due to direct trauma or by chronic ear infections. When the eardrum is damaged, a tympanoplasty is performed by a surgeon working through the ear canal. During tympanoplasty, a tissue graft is used to repair or fully replace the eardrum. A full replacement is generally only required if the eardrum has sustained significant damage. This surgery has the benefit of improving hearing without causing particularly visible scars.

Ossicular chain reconstruction

The ossicles are very small bones in the middle ear. Ossicular chain reconstruction is performed to reconstruct the eardrum and the ossicles. During surgery, the eardrum is elevated and the ossicles are examined. If they are in good condition, one bone will be removed, sculpted into the correct shape, and repositioned newly to connect the ossicular chain. In some cases, all three middle ear bones are replaced.

Recovery After Ear Surgery

Expect 2-3 months after your ear surgery to recovery fully. During the first few days after surgery, there will be ear pain, headache, slight dizziness, and the sensation of a stuffed up or blocked ear. The stuffed up feeling improves as your ear heals over 1-2 weeks. At that point your doctor will remove the gauze packing out of the ear canal and gently clean it. This will greatly improve the sensation of fullness. Expect some drainage of bloody fluid from your ear over the following days after the packing is removed.

Some patients notice an improvement immediately after their surgery. Generally, it will take 2-4 weeks before patients notice a difference in their hearing. After that point, further improvements may be noticed in the following two months.

As you heal, ensure you don’t get water in your ear, do not go on a plane or scuba dive, and do not exercise or lift anything that requires you to strain. Avoid noisy areas because your ears will initially be more sensitive to noise.

Your Treatment With Florida ENT Associates

Throughout our time in South Florida, we’ve continued to grow. Today we have a network of providers and 5 locations. Our dedicated team of professionals has made it their mission to provide quality, comprehensive ENT care to each patient that visits. This is achieved through:

Providing Patient-Centered Care

Each appointment includes one-on-one care with one of our highly-trained physicians, ensuring each of your symptoms receives the time and attention they deserve.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

With a network of skilled physicians, we’ve ensured we’re prepared to help address a wide range of ENT symptoms and conditions at each of our five locations.

Continuity of Care

Our staff strives for care that provides you with lasting relief from the symptoms that get in the way of doing what you love.

Offering the Security of a Community Staple

After helping patients across Florida for many years, and are proud to be members of the community.

Who is a Candidate for Outer and Middle Ear Surgery?

If you have structural damage or malformations of the outer or middle ear, you are likely a candidate for surgery. Candidates should meet the following qualifications:

Are generally in good health
Have no serious medical concerns such as bleeding disorders
Have structrual damage from trauma to the ear
Have malformations of the outer or middle ear

Male doctor explaining procedure to female patient

Why Choose Florida ENT Associates for Outer and Middle Ear
Surgery?

Florida ENT Associates represents more than 50 years of experience and expertise, providing patients with the most modern, advanced care, improving the quality of life for thousands of patients. Our group of board-certifed surgeons and specialists represent some of the very best, covering every aspect of the ENT field. You can achieve lasting relief with us at the Florida ENT Associates. Call today for a consultation to find out more about outer and middle ear surgery.