What Is Tympanoplasty?
Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to repair a perforated or damaged eardrum (tympanic membrane) and, when needed, reconstruct the middle ear hearing bones (ossicles).
It aims to restore hearing, prevent recurrent ear infections, and protect the middle ear from water and bacteria.
At Büyük Anadolu Hospitals, tympanoplasty is performed under a microscope using delicate microsurgical techniques and biocompatible graft materials to ensure long-term hearing improvement.
Who is a good candidate for tympanoplasty?
You may be a suitable candidate if you have:
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Chronic eardrum perforation from infection, trauma, or previous surgery
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Hearing loss due to middle ear damage
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Recurrent ear infections with drainage or discomfort
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Persistent ear fullness, ringing (tinnitus), or dizziness
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Failure to heal naturally after medical treatment or minor procedures (like myringoplasty)
Tympanoplasty can be performed on both adults and children once the infection is fully controlled.
Step-by-Step Procedure Process
Preoperative Evaluation: ENT consultation, ear microscopy, and hearing test (audiogram).
Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia depending on age and complexity.
Surgery:
The surgeon repairs the eardrum using a fascia or cartilage graft taken from the patient’s own tissue.
If necessary, ossicular chain reconstruction is performed to improve sound transmission.
The incision is typically made behind or inside the ear canal.
Duration: 1.5–3 hours.
Hospital Stay: Usually outpatient or 1 night for observation.
Follow-Up: Dressing removal and ear inspection after 7–10 days; hearing test after 4–6 weeks.
Possible Risks and Preventive Measures
| Possible Risks | Our Preventive Measures |
|---|---|
| Temporary dizziness | Careful microsurgical approach and balance monitoring |
| Infection or bleeding | Sterile operating environment & antibiotics |
| Hearing not fully restored | Audiologic follow-up and secondary ossiculoplasty if needed |
| Taste disturbance (rare) | Preservation of chorda tympani nerve |
| Graft failure or reperforation | Use of high-quality grafts and postoperative protection instructions |
Cost of Tympanoplasty in Turkey
Tympanoplasty surgery in Turkey generally costs €2,000 – €3,200, depending on the complexity of the repair and whether ossicular reconstruction is included.
| Country | Average Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,000 – €3,200 |
| United Kingdom | €5,500 – €6,500 |
| Germany | €5,000 – €6,000 |
| Spain | €4,500 – €5,500 |
| USA | €8,000 – €10,000 |
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients may feel mild fullness or slight dizziness for a few days.
Keep the ear dry and protected — no swimming or heavy exertion for 3–4 weeks.
Avoid blowing your nose forcefully to protect the graft.
Hearing gradually improves over 4–8 weeks as the graft heals and swelling subsides.
Regular ENT and hearing check-ups are essential to monitor recovery.
Tympanoplasty Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Pain is minimal and managed with mild painkillers. Most patients report only slight ear pressure.
Improvement begins after 3–6 weeks, once healing is complete and ear packing is removed.
Rarely — but avoiding infections, trauma, and pressure changes helps maintain long-term results.
No — incisions are hidden behind or inside the ear canal.
Usually 7–10 days post-operation, after your surgeon confirms graft stability.