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Ear & Hearing Procedures

Tympanoplasty in Chennai — Close the Eardrum, Restore Hearing

Microscopic technique • Dry, infection-free ear • Better hearing

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ENT surgeon examining a patient's ear before tympanoplasty surgery at THANC Hospital, Chennai
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For patients exploring tympanoplasty as a treatment option, this page covers how the surgery is done at THANC and what recovery looks like. If you're earlier in your journey and want to understand what causes an eardrum perforation in the first place, our patient guide walks through symptoms and causes: Eardrum Perforation — Causes, Symptoms and Treatment →

About Tympanoplasty (Eardrum Repair) at THANC

Tympanoplasty is a microscopic ear surgery to repair a perforated (torn) eardrum and, where needed, rebuild the small bones of hearing. At THANC Hospital, our senior ENT and otology surgeons perform tympanoplasty to close long-standing eardrum holes, stop recurrent ear discharge and improve hearing. The goal is a dry, infection-free ear and better sound transmission to the inner ear. Tympanoplasty is usually performed as a short-stay procedure and most patients return home within a day.

Who Needs Tympanoplasty (Eardrum Repair)?

You may be a candidate if you experience any of the following:

  • A persistent hole in the eardrum that has not healed on its own
  • Recurrent ear discharge despite repeated courses of antibiotics and ear drops
  • Hearing loss caused by a perforated eardrum or damaged middle ear bones
  • Inability to swim or take water sports safely because the ear lets water in
  • Frequent middle ear infections linked to a chronic perforation
  • Associated middle ear disease where the ear needs to be explored and cleaned

What to Expect

A clear step-by-step view of your treatment journey at THANC.

  1. 1

    Pre-operative Work-up

    A detailed ENT examination, microscopic otoscopy, audiometry (hearing test) and tympanometry are done to confirm the size, site and effect of the perforation. Where needed, a CT temporal bone is added to check for any middle ear disease that needs to be addressed in the same sitting.

  2. 2

    The Surgery

    Performed under general anaesthesia, most often through the ear canal or a small incision behind the ear. Using an operating microscope, the surgeon places a graft — usually taken from tissue just above or behind the ear — to close the eardrum. If the small hearing bones are damaged, they are repaired or reconstructed in the same sitting.

  3. 3

    Recovery in Hospital

    Most patients are observed for a few hours and either discharged the same day or the next morning. Mild ear blockage and minimal discomfort are normal. The ear is packed to support the new graft, and pain is well controlled with oral medication.

  4. 4

    Follow-up & Healing

    The ear must be kept strictly dry for 3 to 4 weeks. Ear packs are removed at the first review. Light work resumes within a few days. A repeat hearing test is done around 6 to 8 weeks, by which time most patients notice better hearing and a dry ear.

Trusted Ear Surgery at THANC

Tympanoplasty is a microsurgery — not a routine operation. THANC's otology team works under the operating microscope with fine instruments, combines audiology with surgery under one roof, and builds the plan around protecting your hearing long after the ear is closed.

  • Microsurgery performed by senior otology-trained ENT surgeons
  • Operating microscope and high-definition ear endoscopy in-house
  • In-house audiometry before and after surgery for accurate hearing tracking
  • Hearing-bone reconstruction added in the same sitting where needed
  • Dry-ear precautions and graded return-to-swimming protocol
  • Written, transparent estimate after audiology and examination review

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from tympanoplasty?
Most patients are back to light work within a few days. The ear is kept dry for 3 to 4 weeks to let the graft heal. A follow-up hearing test is done around 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, by which time most patients notice a dry ear and better hearing.
Will my hearing definitely improve after tympanoplasty?
Most patients see a clear improvement in hearing once the eardrum is successfully closed and the middle ear is dry. If the small hearing bones are damaged, they are repaired in the same sitting. The final hearing gain depends on the condition of the inner ear and the middle ear bones at the time of surgery — your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations after reviewing your hearing test.
Is tympanoplasty painful?
Tympanoplasty is done under general anaesthesia so there is no pain during surgery. After surgery, patients typically feel mild ear blockage or a dull ache, which settles quickly with simple oral painkillers. Severe pain is uncommon.
When can I return to swimming and air travel?
Air travel is usually safe after the first follow-up review once the ear is healing well. Swimming, water sports and diving are avoided for a longer period — typically 2 to 3 months — and only resumed with clearance from your ENT surgeon after the ear is confirmed to be completely healed.
Will THANC provide a personalised estimate for my tympanoplasty case?
Yes. After your consultation, otoscopy and hearing test review, our team prepares a written, case-specific estimate based on the approach (through the canal or behind the ear), whether hearing bone reconstruction is needed, and your anaesthesia plan. THANC's rates are consistently lower than prevailing market rates in Chennai while delivering world-class care.
Is tympanoplasty a day-care procedure?
In straightforward cases, yes — patients can be discharged the same day after a few hours of observation. Where additional middle ear work is needed or patients have medical conditions that warrant monitoring, a single overnight stay is preferred for safety.

Related Reading

Patient guides and educational articles on related topics.

Eardrum Perforation — Causes, Symptoms and TreatmentCholesteatoma — When Ear Infections Need Surgery

Book a Consultation

Meet our otology team to plan eardrum repair and long-term hearing care for your case.

Book Appointment+91 73977 68795

Book a Consultation

Meet our senior surgeons to discuss Tympanoplasty (Eardrum Repair) for your case.

Book Appointment+91 73977 68795

Part of the Otology & Neuro-Otology Department

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Tympanoplasty (Eardrum Repair) at THANC

  • Microsurgery performed by senior otology-trained ENT surgeons
  • Operating microscope and high-definition ear endoscopy in-house
  • In-house audiometry before and after surgery for accurate hearing tracking
  • Hearing-bone reconstruction added in the same sitting where needed
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