Myringoplasty: How Eardrum Repair Surgery Works, Recovery, and Risks
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is myringoplasty?
Myringoplasty is a surgery that closes a hole in a ruptured eardrum by placing a graft over it. Doctors may recommend it when a perforation hasn't healed within three months, or with repeated ear infections, hearing loss, or trauma. It takes 30 to 90 minutes, most people go home the same day, and recovery takes one to two weeks. [1]
What the research says
Myringoplasty works as well as the more extensive repair. A meta-analysis of 85 studies (9,725 patients) found closure rates of 91.4% for perforations under half the eardrum and 85.3% for larger ones — no significant difference from type I tympanoplasty. (Nicholas Jungbauer et al., Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2023) [2]
Local anesthesia closes the hole about as often as general anesthesia. Across 27 studies, the overall closure rate was 89%: 87% under local anesthesia and 91% under general, with no significant difference; in-office procedures alone reached 88%. (Kaleva et al., Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2023) [3]
Smaller holes and cartilage grafts close more often. In 214 studies (26,097 patients), the average closure rate at 12 months was 86.6%; holes smaller than half the eardrum did 6.1% better, cartilage grafts 2.8% better than fascia, and children had a 5.8% higher failure rate than adults. (Tan et al., Otol Neurotol, 2016) [4]
Key takeaways
Most eardrum holes heal on their own within a few weeks; surgery is usually considered when one hasn't healed after three months. [1]
The surgeon covers the hole with a patch made from your own tissue or a synthetic material. [1]
The operation takes 30 to 90 minutes, and most people go home the same day. [1]
Plan for about a week off work or school; full recovery usually takes one to two weeks. [1]
Success rates reach up to 94%, and most people report better hearing afterward. [1]
Myringoplasty at a glance
Question | Answer |
What it fixes | A hole (perforation) in the eardrum |
Who has it | Children and adults; children need it more often |
One or both ears | Usually one ear; sometimes both |
Anesthesia | Usually general, in hospital; sometimes local, in an office |
How long it takes | 30–90 minutes |
Hospital stay | Usually home the same day |
Recovery | 1–2 weeks |
Time off | About 1 week (adults and children) |
Follow-up visit | About 4–6 weeks after surgery |
Success rate | Around 90% overall, up to 94% |
Source for table: [1]
Why does a hole in the eardrum need repair?
A hole in the eardrum needs repair because it can lead to problems such as dizziness, a bone infection behind the ear, and — in severe cases — permanent hearing loss. [1]
Your eardrum (tympanic membrane) is a thin, dime-sized piece of tissue between the outer ear and the middle ear. It vibrates when sound waves hit it, which is how it helps you hear. [1]
The eardrum can tear from ear infections, head trauma, objects pushed into the ear, sudden loud noises, and other causes. [1] Closing the hole lowers the risk of vertigo, mastoiditis (an infection of the bone behind the ear), and severe hearing loss. [1]
Myringoplasty is one of the most common procedures ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists) perform. [1] For a full guide to the injury itself, see ruptured eardrum: symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Who needs myringoplasty?
Myringoplasty is usually recommended for people whose eardrum hole hasn't healed on its own, because most ruptured eardrums close by themselves within a few weeks. [1]
Your doctor may suggest it if you or your child: [1]
Has a ruptured eardrum that hasn't healed within three months
Has chronic or recurring ear infections
Has hearing loss caused by the ruptured eardrum
Has a torn (perforated) eardrum after an injury
Doctors usually try conservative treatments first. Surgery becomes the next step when the hole won't close — especially after three months. [1]
What graft materials are used in myringoplasty?
Myringoplasty grafts are made from either synthetic materials or small pieces of your own tissue, and the surgeon picks the option that fits your ear. [1]
Graft type | What it is | Also called |
Synthetic material | Gel foam, surgical paper, or similar materials | Paper patch myringoplasty |
Temporalis fascia | A strong layer of connective tissue covering the temporalis muscle | — |
Perichondrium | Connective tissue covering the elastic cartilage of the ear | — |
Fat | Fat tissue taken from the earlobe | Fat graft myringoplasty |
Cartilage | A small piece of your own cartilage | Cartilage myringoplasty |
Source for table: [1]
How do you prepare for myringoplasty?
You prepare for myringoplasty by following your surgeon's written instructions, sharing your medication list, and arranging transport and time off. [1]
What happens during myringoplasty?
During myringoplasty, the surgeon reaches the eardrum, prepares the edges of the hole, and places a graft over it before packing and bandaging the ear. [1]
Most myringoplasties are done under general anesthesia in a hospital. Some people can have the procedure under local anesthesia in an office — ask your doctor which option suits you or your child. [1]
The surgeon will: [1]
Reach your eardrum through the ear canal or through a cut behind the ear.
Gently roughen the tissue around the hole so the graft can attach.
Take tissue from another part of the ear to make the graft (skipped if a synthetic material such as gel foam is used).
Place the graft over the hole.
Fill the ear with cotton packing.
Cover the outside of the ear with a bandage.
The whole procedure takes 30 to 90 minutes. [1]
What happens right after myringoplasty?
Right after myringoplasty, people who had general anesthesia rest in a recovery area while the team monitors them, and most go home the same day. [1]
Before you leave, your surgeon explains your aftercare and prescribes medicines to support healing. [1]
What are the benefits of myringoplasty?
The main benefits of myringoplasty are a high chance of closing the hole and better hearing for most people. [1]
What are the risks of myringoplasty?
Myringoplasty complications are rare, but infection, ringing in the ears, dizziness, hearing loss, and graft failure can happen. [1]
Risk | What it means |
Infection | Germs enter the surgical area |
Ringing in the ears | |
Dizziness | Feeling off-balance or spinning |
Hearing loss | Reduced hearing in the treated ear |
Graft failure | The patch doesn't take; signs include severe bleeding, infection, and changes in taste |
Recurring hole | The eardrum perforation comes back |
Source for table: [1]
How long does myringoplasty recovery take?
Myringoplasty recovery usually takes one to two weeks, and both adults and children should plan to stay home for about a week. [1]
Your doctor will see you for a follow-up visit about four to six weeks after surgery. [1]
Do | Don't |
Take all medicines exactly as prescribed | Remove the dressing — except to put in antibiotic ear drops as shown |
Rest as much as possible | Blow your nose |
Sneeze with your mouth open | Shower until your surgeon says it's OK |
Take baths with cotton in the ear to keep water out | Swim for several weeks |
Source for table: [1]
What is the success rate of myringoplasty?
The overall success rate of myringoplasty is around 90%, with some reports reaching up to 94%. [1]
Surgeons have performed myringoplasty in the U.S. since the mid-1960s, and many studies have tracked its results since then. [1] Large pooled studies show smaller holes close more often than larger ones (see "What the research says" above). [2][4]
When should you call a doctor after myringoplasty?
You should call your doctor after myringoplasty if you or your child develops a high fever, ear pain that medicine doesn't ease, or any of the warning signs below. [1]
Fever over 103 °F (39.4 °C)
Ear pain that doesn't go away with medication
Severe nausea
Weakness of the facial muscles
Trouble breathing
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Dizziness that won't go away
Severe bleeding from the ear
Conclusion
Myringoplasty is a common, short procedure that patches a hole in the eardrum with a small graft. It's usually considered when a ruptured eardrum hasn't healed after about three months, and it closes the hole in roughly nine out of ten people. Recovery is quick — about one to two weeks — as long as you keep the ear dry, avoid blowing your nose, and keep your follow-up visit. [1]
Bring this guide to your ENT appointment. Use the table and recovery timeline above to plan your questions, and explore our related guides on ruptured eardrums, myringotomy, tympanosclerosis, and cholesteatoma. For new health guides every weekday, follow us on Instagram and YouTube.
FAQ
What is myringoplasty?
Myringoplasty is a surgery that repairs a hole in a ruptured eardrum by placing a graft over it. Both children and adults can have it.
Who needs myringoplasty?
Myringoplasty is usually recommended when a ruptured eardrum hasn't healed within three months. Doctors may also suggest it for recurring ear infections, hearing loss caused by the hole, or a perforation after an injury.
How long does myringoplasty take?
Myringoplasty takes between 30 and 90 minutes. Most people go home the same day.
Is myringoplasty done under general or local anesthesia?
Myringoplasty is usually done under general anesthesia in a hospital. Some people can have it under local anesthesia in an office setting.
How long is recovery after myringoplasty?
Recovery after myringoplasty usually takes one to two weeks. Adults should plan at least a week off work, and children should stay home from school for about a week.
What is the success rate of myringoplasty?
The overall success rate of myringoplasty is around 90%, reaching up to 94% in some reports. Results are similar in children and adults.
Can I swim or shower after myringoplasty?
Swimming should be avoided for several weeks after myringoplasty. Wait to shower until your surgeon says it's OK; baths are fine if you keep cotton in the ear to block water.
When is myringoplasty an emergency after surgery?
Severe bleeding from the ear, trouble breathing, facial weakness, or a fever over 103 °F (39.4 °C) after myringoplasty need prompt medical attention. Call your doctor right away if any of these appear.
Will my hearing improve after myringoplasty?
Hearing improves for most people once the graft heals, though it may take several weeks. A hearing test at follow-up checks the result.
Can you fly after myringoplasty?
Ask your surgeon first. Pressure changes during flights can strain the healing graft, so surgeons often advise avoiding flying for a few weeks.
Related Reading
Ruptured Eardrum (Eardrum Membrane Rupture): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment explains why eardrums tear, how they heal and when treatment is needed.
Tympanoplasty: Eardrum Repair Surgery, Recovery, and Results describes the fuller eardrum and middle ear repair surgery.
Understanding the Tympanic Membrane (Eardrum) explains how the eardrum works and what can damage it.
Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment covers ear infection symptoms, causes and treatment.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Myringoplasty: Procedure Details & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated September 11, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24141-myringoplasty
Nicholas Jungbauer W, Jeong S, Nguyen SA, et al. Comparing Myringoplasty to Type I Tympanoplasty in Tympanic Membrane Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023;168(5):922-934. PMID 36939595. https://doi.org/10.1002/ohn.191
Kaleva AI, Raithatha A, Tomasoni M, et al. General anaesthetic vs local anaesthetic myringoplasties: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2023;280(5):2237-2245. PMID 36376527. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-022-07734-8
Tan HE, Santa Maria PL, Eikelboom RH, et al. Type I Tympanoplasty Meta-Analysis: A Single Variable Analysis. Otol Neurotol. 2016;37(7):838-846. PMID 27273405. https://doi.org/10.1097/MAO.0000000000001099
Further reading (external):
Sutton AE, Weimer AD. Tympanic Membrane Perforation. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Last updated December 1, 2025. PMID 32491810. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557887/
Brar S, Watters C, Winters R. Tympanoplasty. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Last updated July 4, 2023. PMID 33351422. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565863/
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education and does not replace advice from your doctor. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
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