Repair of Eardrum Perforation in Houston

Our board-certified surgeons at Texas ENT Specialists in Houston can repair a perforated or ruptured eardrum. Various factors can lead to a perforated eardrum, such as head trauma, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, explosions, injuries to the head or ear, or foreign objects entering the ear. Symptoms often include ear pain, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, nausea, or a sensation of spinning.

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What is Eardrum Repair Surgery?

Our treatment options for repairing the rupture may involve “patching” the area. If this method isn’t sufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore the eardrum’s integrity and function. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care that matches your unique situation.

How the Process Works

Eardrum perforation refers to a hole or tear in the tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. In some cases, an eardrum perforation may heal naturally within a few weeks; however, medical intervention, including surgery, may be necessary.

If you suspect you have a ruptured eardrum, the first step is to schedule an examination with one of our experienced ENT doctors. They will assess your ear to identify the tear and conduct tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

If the assessment shows a rupture, your ENT doctor may apply a chemical treatment to encourage healing and seal the tear with a small patch. This patch may need to be replaced several times during the healing process. If this conservative approach is unsuccessful, an outpatient surgical option is available. During this procedure, a tissue graft is used to repair the damage.

Who is a Candidate for Eardrum Perforation Repair?

While some eardrum perforations may heal naturally, those that do not heal can significantly impact your hearing and quality of life. Our treatments aim to alleviate symptoms quickly, avoiding the prolonged discomfort associated with the body’s healing process. Common symptoms of perforated eardrums include pain, nausea, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss. Our interventions can help relieve these side effects with minimal downtime.

Candidates who can benefit from eardrum perforation repair include the following:

Individuals with a recently ruptured eardrum
Those experiencing persistent eardrum ruptures
Patients who have tried the patch method but have not healed sufficiently

About Texas ENT Specialists in Houston

Texas ENT Specialists in Houston provide specialized care for a wide range of ear, nose, and throat conditions. With numerous convenient office locations throughout Texas, we distinguish ourselves in the industry by offering the following:

Personalized Treatment

We customize all our ENT services to fit your unique needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Top-Rated Physician Network

Our offices are staffed with a team of highly regarded physicians who are ready to address all your ENT concerns with expertise.

Centers of Excellence

Equipped with the latest advanced technology, our locations are designed to provide a high-quality, efficient patient experience.

Continuity of Care

Our comprehensive care philosophy ensures that you receive long-term relief through a network of highly trained ENT specialists dedicated to your health.

Ear Testing in Houston: Ruptured Eardrum?

Some individuals may experience ear pain or other symptoms without realizing they have a ruptured eardrum. By coming in for an assessment, our expert team can evaluate your ear to determine if a perforation is present. Regardless of the issue, a trained specialist can recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.

The Patch Method

Before treatment, your ENT doctor will thoroughly examine your ear. If the patch method is chosen, they will first apply a chemical agent to the edges of the tear to promote healing. A small patch is then placed over the perforation. After this procedure, you can resume most activities while ensuring your ear remains clean and dry. The patch may need to be re-applied until the injury closes completely.

The Surgical Solution

If surgical intervention is necessary, the procedure will involve using a small tissue graft to patch the hole. The tissue graft is from the thin skin around or above the ear. This is an outpatient surgery; you can return home the same day. Plan to take some time to rest and avoid activities that could put stress on your ear as it heals.