It is generally followed by placing a ventilation tube over the eardrum. This procedure relieves the pressure buildup in the ear that may be caused because of severe middle ear infections. Myringotomy surgery is generally considered to:
- Treat ear infections that have not responded well to other treatments
- Improve the hearing loss due to fluid buildup
- Improve the speech development delayed by hearing loss
- Treat recurrent eustachian tube or eardrum dysfunction
- Treat congenital ear problems (by birth)
During the procedure:
- The heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration of the individual are monitored, and the patient is usually given local anesthesia to numb the pain.
- The surgery usually lasts less than 30 minutes.
- The ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon uses a microscope to look into the ear.
- A small incision is then made in the eardrum to clear fluid in the middle ear.
- A special pressure-equalizing (PE) tube is then placed into the incision where it remains without the use of stitches. The tube allows fluid to drain out of the middle ear. This helps prevent future infections. PE tubes usually stay in place for 1-2 years. Usually, they move from the eardrum to the ear canal and then fall out. Rarely, the tubes stay in for more than 2 years and need to be surgically removed.
The benefits of myringotomy surgery may include:
- Fewer and less severe ear infections
- Hearing improvement
- Improvement of speech
The risks include but are not limited to:
- Difficulty related to anesthesia
- Failure of the incision to heal after the tube falls out (eardrum perforation)
- Scarring of the eardrum
- Severe pain and infection
- Tubes falling out early, requiring that another set be inserted
- Failure of the tube to fall out, requiring a simple procedure for removal
Recovery:
Most patients usually recover quickly and can go home the same day. Patients usually return to their usual activities the next day. However, a few patients complain of drowsiness, weakness, and constant nausea. Some patients may have a mild earache for a few hours after surgery, which is usually treated with painkillers, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen). Patients may also be placed on antibiotics if necessary.
- Follow the dosage instructions as instructed by the doctor.
- Fluid may drain from the ears for a couple of days; the patient may wipe it away with dry cotton wool. However, one should not squeeze water into the ear.
- If the patient’s ear keeps draining for more than 3 days, the patient might need to see the doctor.
- Patients may be given eardrops to reduce the risk of infection.
- Ears should be covered when bathing or swimming to reduce the risk of a bacterial infection.
- Complications are rare but can include high fever, abnormal drainage, continuous bleeding, a permanent hole, and chronic drainage.
- Hearing loss associated with the fluid buildup goes away immediately after surgery.
- The incision usually heals naturally.
When should I consider myringotomy?
Not all middle ear issues will require a myringotomy or ear tubes. Antibiotics, ear drops, and even small dietary changes can help with many inner ear problems. For situations where medication and other treatments will not work, a myringotomy is the next best choice. Common reasons for adults receiving ear tubes are:
- Frequent ear infection: They may cause pain and scarring in the ear. Severe conditions can block the eardrum and cause pressure built-up behind the eardrum. Myringotomy will improve ventilation and reduce the number of ear infections.
- Hearing loss: This may occur when there is a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. Hearing loss can lead to speech delays and problems with communication. In adults, the loss of hearing can significantly affect job performance and family life.
- Loss of balance: Excess fluid in the ear not only affects hearing but stability as well. The ear has two main functions: hearing and balance. When the ear becomes blocked, adequate sensory information does not make it to the brain. The brain will then overcompensate through leaning or eye movement to keep the body upright.
- Inner ear trauma or accident: This is the most common reason for most adults receiving myringotomy. Barotraumas are injuries sustained to the eardrum as the result of a rapid increase or decrease in air or water pressure. The most common cause is air travel and scuba diving.
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Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Hearing Loss: Causes of Hearing Loss
Problems with your ears like ear infections can cause signs of hearing loss. This may be sensorineural hearing loss or conductive hearing loss. Learn how loud noises can induce hearing loss, the signs of hearing loss, and different ways you can prevent hearing problems.Ruptured Eardrum
A perforated (ruptured, punctured) eardrum (tympanic membrane) is a hole or tear in the eardrum. The eardrum separates the ear canal and middle ear. Most ruptured eardrums do not cause pain, however, the condition can be uncomfortable. Bacteria, viral, and fungal infections are the most common causes a ruptured eardrum. Earwax removal attempts, changes in air pressure, and trauma are other causes of a ruptured eardrum.
If you have a ruptured eardrum you may have symptoms like:- Ear pain
- Partial or full hearing loss
- A mucousy or pus-like blood-tinged discharge from you ear
- Bleeding from the ear
- Ringing in the ear
- Vertigo
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Middle ear infection
Most people do not need medical treatment for a ruptured eardrum, however, some may need surgery depending upon the cause and size of the hole in the eardrum.
REFERENCE: Cleveland Clinic. "Ruptured Eardrum (Perforated Tympanic Membrane)." Updated: Aug 208, 2014.What Are the Symptoms of a Mastoid Infection?
What is a mastoid infection, and what causes it? Learn the signs of mastoiditis and how it is diagnosed and treated.