For an ear infection to be considered chronic, it would need to occur frequently or last longer than three months. Chronic ear infections can often include other symptoms such as pain, drainage from the ears, facial weakness, and hearing loss. Our providers specialize in performing surgery to help correct chronic ear infections. 

Types of Chronic Ear Infection Surgeries

SFENTA offers several options for chronic ear infection surgery. To choose the best-fitting surgery, your provider will examine your ears and discuss your symptoms. The type of surgery will depend on the nature of the infection, and if damage has occurred inside the ear. Some surgical options include:

Myringoplasty

This surgical procedure repairs the eardrums from past infections and helps prevent future infections. Myringoplasty is most often performed on patients who do not have infection or cancer within the ear bone. The procedure uses a tissue graft to repair the eardrum, which can also improve hearing ability. Most patients experience improvement 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

Bilateral Myringotomy and Tubes

Bilateral myringotomy and tubes (BM-T) are used for patients who suffer from a frequent buildup of fluid within the ears. During the procedure, a small hole is created by the surgeon, and prosthetic tubes are inserted. This creates an opening for fluid to drain. This is an outpatient procedure that allows patients to return home after surgery. After several months, the tubes will fall out on their own and the hole will close.

Tympanoplasty

A tympanoplasty can help repair the eardrum, prevent inner ear infections, and reverse hearing loss. This outpatient procedure requires the surgeon to create an incision behind the crease of the ear to access the eardrum. Using a tissue graft, the surgeon will repair the eardrum. 

Mastoidectomy

The mastoid is the bone behind the ear that connects to the middle ear. This procedure allows the surgeon access to the bone through an incision behind the ear. The surgeon will clean out the mastoid to help stop chronic ear infections.

Meatoplasty

A meatoplasty is performed when there has been severe damage to the ear canal. The primary goal of this procedure is to remove cartilage from the ear to enlarge the canal. This corrects the canal while also allowing it to be cleaned effectively.

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Benefits of Chronic Ear Infection Surgery

Chronic ear infections can cause patients to miss work, school, and the social activities they enjoy most. In addition, they can impact the health of your ears, leading to damage to the eardrum or inner ear.

Pain, ear pressure, excess fluid, difficulty sleeping, and hearing loss are also side effects of chronic ear infections. Surgery can provide a lasting solution for chronic ear infections.

Conditions Treated by these Surgeries

  • Chronic middle and inner ear infections
  • Chronic ear pain or drainage
  • Hearing loss triggered by an ear infection

Your Chronic Ear Infection Surgery

Your surgery and recovery steps will depend on the type of surgery the provider feels is best. Because each surgery is unique, the provider will discuss the steps and pre- and post-operative care instructions at your appointment. Most chronic ear infection surgeries require little downtime after surgery and offer some immediate relief. Full results will be achieved once your recovery is complete. 

About SFENTA

SFENTA is one of South Florida’s top-rated providers for ear, nose, and throat care. 

We’ve made it our mission to provide each patient with:

Patient-Centered Care

Our providers will take the time to listen to your concerns and then craft a customized treatment plan to address your unique symptoms.

Continuity of Care

We believe in finding long-term relief for our patients, not just a Band-Aid®.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

With a team of over 50 board-certified physicians, we’ve built an unrivaled provider network equipped for all aspects of ENT care.

The Security of a Community Staple

Our staff has been helping patients in South Florida improve their health for over three decades.

FAQ

Who is a candidate?

Candidates for these surgeries are those who experience chronic ear infections. During your evaluation, one of our physicians will examine your ears and discuss your medical history. After this, they will determine if you are a candidate for surgery or recommend a different course of treatment.

Is surgery inpatient or outpatient?

This can vary depending on the specific type of ear surgery. Some chronic ear infection surgeries are inpatient, while others are outpatient.

With 37 convenient locations across the South Florida area, we’re never far away.

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