ears and hearing/can a perforated ear drum be fixed & will hearing loss come back ?

Answer 1

Depending on how large and/or how recent the perforation occured you may get spontaneous healing of the hole. If after sufficient time is allowed for spontaneous healing has passed with no closure of the perforation you may look at your surgical options to have it patched. You may not get all the hearing back after patching as it isn't a natural eardrum and there may be stiffer functioning as a result of the patched tympanic membrane. We often patch perforations to assure a healthier middle ear system. When you have a perforation in the ear drum it is important to keep the ear dry so no water will be introduced into the middle ear, thereby causing an environment that would promote infections.

Good luck.

Answer 2

If the perforation is very small, otolaryngologists may choose to observe the perforation over time to see if it will dose spontaneously. They also might try to patch a cooperative patient's ear-drum in the office. Working with a microscope, your doctor may touch the edges of the eardrum with a chemical to stimulate growth and then place a thin paper patch on the eardrum. Usually with closure of the tympanic membrane improvement in hearing is noted. Several applications of a patch (up to three or four) may be required before the perforation doses completely. if your physician feels that a paper patch will not provide prompt or adequate closure of the hole in the eardrum, or attempts with paper patching do not promote healing, surgery is considered.

There are a variety of surgical techniques, but all basically place tissue across the perforation allowing healing. The name of this procedure is called tympanoplasty. Surgery is typically quite successful in closing the perforation permanently, and improving hearing. It is usually done on an outpatient basis.

Your doctor will advise you regarding the proper management of a perforated eardrum.

Answer 3

Last year, my nephew had a perforated eardrum from a boy diving into a pool too close to him (the boy's knee hit him on the side of the head). He had to use ear drops and stuff his ear with cotton for about a month, but other than that he's fine and can hear very well.