tympanoplastiaa

Tympanoplasty, sometimes written tympanoplastia and occasionally seen as tympanoplastiaa, is a surgical procedure to repair the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and, when needed, reconstruct the small bones of the middle ear (the ossicles). The goal is to restore the integrity of the eardrum, improve or normalize hearing, and reduce the risk of recurrent ear infections.

Indications for tympanoplasty include chronic perforations of the eardrum, persistent air-borne infections in the middle ear, and conductive hearing loss due to tympanic membrane damage or ossicular disruption. It is typically considered after a period of medical management when perforations fail to heal or when hearing impairment is significant and affecting daily function.

Techniques vary depending on the extent of disease and the condition of the middle ear. Common approaches include transcanal or postauricular access. Graft materials, such as temporalis fascia or cartilage, are placed to seal the perforation, while ossicular reconstruction may be added if the ossicles are damaged. Procedures range from myringoplasty (repair of the eardrum alone) to tympanoplasty with ossicular reconstruction.

Outcomes generally include closure of the perforation and improvement in hearing, though success rates depend on factors such as middle ear health and prior infections. Recovery involves a period of ear protection from water and careful follow-up to monitor graft stability and hearing gains, which may continue to evolve over several months.

Risks include infection, graft failure or re-perforation, facial nerve injury (rare), dizziness, and taste disturbance. Alternatives include conservative management with hearing aids or non-surgical interventions when appropriate. Note that tympanoplastiaa appears to be a variant spelling of tympanoplasty.