What is Ear Drum Perforation (Tympanoplasty)?
A perforated ear drum is a hole or tear in the thin membrane between the outer and middle ear. It can cause ear discharge, repeated infections and reduced hearing.
Small perforations may heal on their own. If a hole persists, tympanoplasty repairs it using a small graft of your own tissue, often through the ear canal.
Symptoms of Tympanoplasty
- Discharge from the ear
- Reduced hearing in one ear
- Repeated ear infections
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Ear discomfort after water enters it
Noticing these symptoms? Talk to a surgeon for free.
Talk to an expertCauses and risk factors
- Long-term middle ear infections
- Injury from cotton buds or sharp objects
- Sudden loud noise or blast
- Sudden pressure changes, such as during flying or diving
How it is diagnosed
- Ear examination with an otoscope or microscope
- Pure tone audiometry hearing test
- Ear swab if there is discharge
- CT scan in selected cases
Tympanoplasty: what to expect
- 1
Before surgery
Any active infection is treated first. A hearing test is done and the ear is examined under a microscope.
- 2
During surgery
A small graft, usually from tissue near the ear, is placed to close the hole in the ear drum.
- 3
Anaesthesia and duration
Done under general or local anaesthesia. The procedure typically takes 60-120 minutes.
- 4
After surgery
A pack is placed in the ear. Most patients go home the same day or next morning.
Benefits of the modern approach
- Closes the perforation in most patients
- Fewer ear infections and discharge
- Hearing may improve
- Often done through the ear canal with small or no visible cuts
Tympanoplasty surgery cost in Delhi NCR
The cost depends on the procedure chosen, the hospital, the room category, anaesthesia, tests and medicines, and your insurance cover. Your TaCa Dost shares the full package upfront, before you decide.
Insurance
We check your policy and handle the cashless paperwork.
Insurance helpEMI options*
Pay in easy monthly instalments, subject to lender approval.
EMI detailsTaCa Possibilities Card
Members pay Ayushman package rates at partner hospitals.
See the cardRecovery
- Hospital stay
- 1 day
- Procedure time
- 60-120 minutes
- Back to routine
- 5-7 days
Recovery tips
- Keep the ear dry until your surgeon says otherwise
- Avoid blowing your nose hard
- Sneeze with your mouth open
- Avoid flying or swimming until cleared
The graft may not take in some cases, and changes in taste, hearing or balance can occur; your ENT surgeon will explain these risks.
Why choose TaCa in Delhi NCR?
- Free surgeon consultationTalk to an experienced surgeon before you decide.
- Dedicated TaCa DostOne case manager from first call to follow-up.
- Insurance paperwork handledPre-authorisation, documents and claim filing.
- EMI options*Spread the cost into easy monthly payments.
- Short-stay surgeryMinimally invasive care; many patients go home the same or next day.
Our surgeons
VerifiedDr Nilesh Dehariya
MBBS, MS (General Surgeon)
VerifiedDr Abhay Singhal
MBBS, MS (General Surgeon)
VerifiedDr Chandrakant Kar
MBBS, MS, MCh (Urologist)
Tympanoplasty: frequently asked questions
What does tympanoplasty cost?
Cost depends on the city, hospital category, room type, surgical technique, tests needed and your insurance cover. Your TaCa Dost shares a clear estimate after the surgeon’s consultation, and EMI options are available.
Is tympanoplasty covered by insurance?
Most health insurance policies cover medically necessary surgery, subject to policy terms and waiting periods. Your TaCa Dost checks your eligibility and handles the cashless or reimbursement paperwork for you.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to work in 5-7 days. The ear drum usually heals over several weeks, and hearing is checked later.
Is tympanoplasty painful?
You are under anaesthesia during surgery. Mild ear ache or fullness afterwards is common and managed with medicines.
Will my hearing improve?
Hearing often improves after the ear drum heals, but the result depends on the condition of the middle ear. Your surgeon will advise.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor for ear discharge, reduced hearing or ear pain. Avoid putting anything into the ear in the meantime.
This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation. Your surgeon will advise on the right treatment for you. Content reviewed by the TaCa clinical team.