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Perforated ear drum
My mother had an ear infection 4yrs ago, with a small amount of discharge.Doctor informed that her eardrum is ruptured & needs surgery which can be done whenever required.recently she had another ear blocking symptoms and tik tik sound in the night sometimes,but there was never a discharge.we came to know her another ear also has small perforation and the hearing ability is reduced to 50% in one ear and 40%in another.now the doctor has suggested tympanoplasty.my questions are
1.can we do tympanoplasty together for both ears?
2.What all tests will be done prior to surgery?
3.Is it safe to undergo surgery in covid times or can we wait further?
4.will surgery improve her hearing or can we just go for hearing aid instead of surgery.
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Ideally one ear should be operated at once.. Once the first ear drum heals then only go for the 2nd one.. The worse ear should be operated first.. Tests will be pertaining only to surgical fitness.. Hearing will improve if the nerve is functioning properly.. That can be determined by the audiometry test.. But all this depending on her age.. Please consult online for further opinion with a picture of the audiometry report
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Dr. Gladson Guddappa Uchil
Allergist/Immunologist
26 yrs exp
Bangalore
If both ears are discharging, the primary focus of infection may be in the nose or throat which needs to be treated first. Sometimes, when this is done, if the perforation is small, it may heal spontaneously without the need of ear surgery.
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I would suggest you come down and meet me. Let me examine your mother thoroughly and see how best this situation can be handled, especially in this covid environment.
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Dr. Divya B
ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist
13 yrs exp
Bangalore
Both ears cannot be operated at same time. A minimum of 3 months would be required between each side. When there is an active infection, we don't operate. Again, it is advisable to wait for 8-12 weeks before surgery. The ear has to be completely dry.
Routine blood tests and a chest x-ray and ecg maybe advised before surgery depending on her risk factors. She will have to have a covid negative certificate before surgery.
Safer to do the surgery in a non covid hospital.
Yes, surgery can improve her hearing and give her a dry ear.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.