If you or a family member experiences recurring middle ear infections or fluid buildup, your doctor may recommend a myringotomy. This procedure relieves pressure in the middle ear and may help prevent recurrent ear infections, improve hearing, and drain excess fluid. But what is a myringotomy, and what does it involve? The following guide will help you understand the procedure and its benefits.

Understanding Myringotomy: Your Questions Answered

Whether you’re curious about the procedure itself, what it treats, how it works, or what to expect during recovery, you can find the answers here.

What Is Myringotomy?

Myringotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making a small incision in the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to relieve pressure caused by fluid buildup in the middle ear. It can be performed on one or both ears (bilateral myringotomy). Additionally, your doctor may also perform a tympanostomy, which is the surgery to insert myringotomy tubes to help equalize pressure and drain ear fluid.

When Is a Myringotomy Recommended?

Myringotomy is often suggested for people, particularly children, who experience frequent ear infections (usually three or more in six months) or have persistent fluid in the ears.

For adults, myringotomy may also be recommended to treat barotrauma. This medical condition occurs when there is a significant difference between the pressure inside an air-filled space in the body (such as the middle ear or sinuses) and external atmospheric pressure. This imbalance can result from rapid changes in altitude—such as during airplane travel or scuba diving—leading to discomfort, pain, or injury to the affected areas.

How Does a Myringotomy Benefit Patients?

Myringotomy offers several benefits:

• Relief from pain and pressure: By draining the fluid, myringotomy alleviates discomfort and pressure in the ear.

• Improved hearing: Removing fluid from the middle ear can lead to better hearing and communication, especially in children whose speech development may be affected by hearing loss.

• Reduced risk of infections: By addressing fluid buildup, myringotomy can help prevent future ear infections, reducing the need for antibiotics or other treatments.

• Enhanced quality of life: With less pain and pressure, patients often experience an improved quality of life.

What Should You Expect During a Myringotomy Procedure?

Myringotomy is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the procedure:

1. Preparation: Before the procedure, you’ll receive instructions on any necessary fasting and medication use.
2. Anesthesia: An anesthesiologist may administer general anesthesia or sedation.
3. Incision: The surgeon uses a microscope to see the eardrum clearly. A small incision is made in the eardrum to allow fluid to drain.
4. Fluid drainage: Any fluid buildup in the middle ear will be gently suctioned out.
5. Placement of tubes (if necessary): In some cases, the surgeon may insert a small tube (called a tympanostomy or myringotomy tube) into the eardrum to help keep the middle ear ventilated and prevent future fluid buildup.
6. Closure: After draining the fluid, the incision in the eardrum may be left open or closed, depending on whether a tympanostomy tube has been placed. If a tube is inserted, it will remain in the ear for several months to facilitate ongoing ventilation.

In general, the procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

What Is Recovery From a Myringotomy Like?

Once the procedure is finished, you will be monitored for a short time before being allowed to go home. Recovery typically involves rest and following any postoperative care instructions that may include:

• Managing pain: Mild pain or discomfort is common after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this, but consult your doctor for recommendations.

• Avoiding water in the ear: It’s crucial to keep the ear dry to prevent infections. Patients should avoid swimming or submerging the ear in water for a specified period, usually until cleared by their healthcare provider.

• Monitoring for symptoms: Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as increased pain, fever, or discharge from the ear. If these symptoms arise, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Scheduling follow-up appointments: Schedule follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor the healing process, especially if tubes are placed, as they may need to be checked or replaced.

• Restricting activity: Patients should discuss any limitations on physical activities with their doctor. Generally, high-impact activities or sports are avoided for a short time post-procedure.

Are There Any Risks or Complications?

While myringotomy is generally considered a safe procedure, some potential risks and complications may arise:

• Infection: Symptoms such as increased pain or discharge may indicate an infection that requires prompt attention.

• Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the procedure, but it is usually minimal and resolves quickly.

• Hearing changes: Temporary hearing loss can occur following myringotomy, particularly if fluid remains in the middle ear or if there is swelling.

• Tympanostomy tube complications: If tubes are placed, there is a risk of them becoming clogged or dislodged, which may necessitate further medical intervention. In some cases, the tubes may not fall out on their own when expected and may require removal by a healthcare provider.

• Eardrum perforation: There is a small chance of developing a persistent perforation (hole) in the eardrum after the procedure that may require additional treatment or surgery to repair.

• Scarring: Some patients may develop scar tissue on the eardrum, which could affect hearing or lead to other complications.

• Anesthesia risks: As with any surgical procedure requiring anesthesia, there are risks associated with its use, including allergic reactions or complications from underlying health conditions.

Myringotomy at North Carolina Specialty Hospital

Myringotomy can be a highly effective treatment for various ear-related issues, particularly in managing fluid buildup and recurrent ear infections. North Carolina Specialty Hospital has long been the trusted choice for myringotomy procedures for parents and children in the Raleigh/Durham area.

If you or a family member is dealing with pain and discomfort from ear fluid, make an appointment with one of our top-ranked ear, nose, and throat surgeons. We’ll evaluate the situation and help you schedule the procedure at our convenient location if a myringotomy is recommended.