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CLOSING A HOLE IN THE EAR MEMBRANE - TYMPANOPLASTY
At Charlottenlund Private Hospital, we perform several hundred operations for perforated eardrums every year, on both regional patients and private patients - and we are the private hospital in Denmark that performs the most of these operations, which is why we have built up a great deal of experience in this particular area.
All patients are examined by the same ear surgeon both before and after surgery and we offer quick turnaround times for both examination and subsequent surgery.
Eardrum perforation surgery – what you can expect from the treatment
The operation to close a hole in the eardrum is one of the most frequently performed ear surgeries, and our specialists have extensive experience with the treatment. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and is performed through the ear canal. In some cases, it may be necessary to access the eardrum from behind the ear, in which case the treatment will leave a small scar behind the ear.
The operation usually takes less than an hour, and you go home the same day.
Contact Charlottenlund Private Hospital
At Charlottenlund Private Hospital, you will be treated by skilled ear doctors who have extensive experience treating both adults and children. You can therefore safely choose us if you or your child needs surgery for a perforated eardrum.
The operation can also be performed through private health insurance.
You are always welcome to contact us by phone at +45 44 98 19 21 or email klinik@charlottenlund-privathospital.dk if you have any questions about the treatment or would like to book an appointment.
Background: What is the eardrum?
The eardrum separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It acts as a barrier against dirt from the outside and protects the middle ear from infections. At the same time, a well-functioning eardrum is very important for hearing. Together with the middle ear's bony chain, the eardrum amplifies sounds before they reach the inner ear and are picked up in the inner ear - also called the cochlea or "snail".
What does it mean to have a hole in the eardrum?
A hole in the eardrum is also called a “tympanic membrane perforation”, and is characterized by a defect, i.e. a hole, in the eardrum.
What can cause it?
The eardrum can rupture in connection with pressure changes during flying or diving. This is often due to poor function of the eustachian tube - read more about this here!
The hole can also be caused by trauma to the ear, such as a blow or a fall or a penetrating foreign body.
Previous drainage installations, where the hole does not heal on its own, can also leave a hole in the eardrum, although this is extremely rare.
Last but not least, a hole in the eardrum can be caused by other diseases such as cholesteatoma, which is also called "bone-eating"
A hole in the eardrum typically causes many different symptoms. The most common symptoms of a hole in the eardrum are ringing in the ears, reduced hearing and discharge from the ear. In most cases, the symptoms will disappear when the hole is closed.
When should a hole in the eardrum be closed?
A hole in the eardrum does not always require treatment, as it will often close completely on its own. Therefore, it always makes sense to wait a few months from the time the hole is diagnosed until you are scheduled for surgery.
However, a hole in the eardrum means that bacteria can more easily enter the middle ear and cause infection. While the hole is healing, you must therefore ensure that the ear does not come into contact with bacteria, for example by preventing water from entering your ear.
In some cases, the hole does not heal on its own. If more than 6-12 months have passed since you were diagnosed with a hole in the eardrum, the hole must then be closed by surgery.