If opened from behind, the ear is then stitched together. Usually, the stitches are buried in the skin and do not have to be removed later. A sterile patch is placed on the outside of the ear canal and the patient returns to the recovery room. Generally, the patient can return home within two to three hours. Antibiotics are given along with a mild pain reliever such as Tylenol or Tylenol with Codeine.
Water is kept away from the ear and blowing of the nose is discouraged.
If there are allergies or a cold, further antibiotics and decongestant should be given. Most individuals can return to work after five or six days unless they perform heavy physical labor, in which case the patient can return after two or three weeks. Children can return to school in one or two days. Generally the activity level should be decreased, with team sports and recess suspended for one month. In over 90 percent of cases, the tympanoplasty procedure is successful and a hearing test is performed about two months after the operation.