Myringotomy

Complications are rare with this procedure, but possible complications may include:

• a hole in your eardrum that needs further surgery to close
• hardening of your eardrum, causing hearing problems
• injury to the ear canal
• scarring of the eardrum
• bleeding
• infection
• frequent drainage

Contact your specialist after the procedure if you have any of the following:

• fever and chills
• redness, swelling, worsening pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from your ear(s)
• pain that you cannot control with the medications recommended by your specialist
• drainage from the ear for more than 4 days after surgery
• impaired hearing
• a cough, shortness of breath or chest pain
• severe nausea or vomiting

Before having a myringotomy procedure, you’ll meet with your ENT consultant for an initial consultation. They will examine your ear and eardrum and may also perform hearing tests and sometimes arrange scans if needed. It’s likely your consultant will also perform a test called a tympanogram which gives an indication of what the pressure is behind your ear drum.

Sometimes myringotomy can be performed in the clinic setting with a local anaesthetic. In some circumstances a general anaesthetic may be used - if so, this would involve remaining nil by mouth (no food or drink) after midnight the night before the procedure. 

Once the local anaesthetic has worn off, you may experience minor pain. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help ease any discomfort you experience. Your specialist may also prescribe numbing ear drops for you to use at home.  

If you have had a tympanostomy, you may have some minor pain and feel a popping, pulsing or clicking when you chew or yawn while the eardrum heals around the grommets.

Your ears might feel clogged after the procedure, but your hearing should improve in a few days, and you will be fully recovered from a myringotomy in around 4 weeks. If you had a tympanostomy, the grommets should fall out on their own within 6 to 12 months.

To ensure successful recovery, it’s important to follow any postoperative advice given by your consultant, such as avoiding getting water in your ears, changing your dressings and taking any prescribed medications as directed.

It’s advised to arrange to have someone pick you up and take you home after your procedure in that scenario. 

At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a myringotomy procedure, you must be referred by either your GP or an ENT following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with an ENT specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

FAQS

How long do ventilation tubes typically stay in place, and what happens afterwards?

Most myringotomy tubes (grommets) remain in the eardrum for around 6 to 12 months before naturally coming out as the eardrum heals. Afterwards, the eardrum closes on its own. In some cases, particularly if the tube stays in too long, your consultant may need to remove them.

Are there any risks of infection after the procedure?

A small proportion of patients develop ear drainage (otorrhea), particularly in the early weeks post-placement or a few months later. While generally not serious, it may require treatment with antibiotic ear drops.

Do I need to keep water out of my ears once I’ve healed?

In most cases, after initial healing has taken place, there's no need for ear protection during activities like showering or swimming in chlorinated water. However, your consultant may recommend that you use earplugs or cotton wool coated with petroleum jelly to reduce your infection risk when swimming in non-chlorinated water (the sea, lakes or rivers, for example).

How effective is myringotomy in improving hearing or alleviating symptoms long-term?

Myringotomy (especially with tube placement) often restores hearing in cases of middle ear fluid buildup and can relieve pressure and discomfort. Its long-term efficacy can vary from person to person, and further treatment isn't uncommon. Before doing the procedure, your consultant will explain the likelihood of your treatment being successful and also if you are likely to need additional treatment in the future.