A tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure that repairs or
reconstructs the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to help restore normal hearing.
This procedure may also involve repair or reconstruction of the small bones
behind the tympanic membrane (ossiculoplasty) if needed. Both the eardrum and
middle ear bones (ossicles) need to function well together for normal hearing
to occur.
This procedure is usually not performed (or needed) in
children under four years of age. A tympanoplasty is recommended when the
eardrum is torn (perforated), sunken in (atelectatic), or otherwise abnormal
and associated with hearing loss. Abnormalities of the ear drum and middle ear
bones can occur through injury, OTITIS MEDIA, congenital (at birth)
deformities, or chronic ear conditions such as a CHOLESTEATOMA.