Mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty are two ear operations that treat infection and repair damage. Mastoidectomy removes infected bone behind the ear while tympanoplasty closes a hole in the eardrum and helps improve hearing, and many patients need mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty during the same sitting.

In this blog you will learn where to find the best ear nose and throat clinic, when these surgeries are recommended, how doctors decide, what happens in the operating room, and what recovery looks like. We focus on real-world decision making for families in Kerala who are weighing surgery after months of ear discharge, hearing loss, or recurring infections.

As the best ENT Hospital in Kerala with ISO and NABH accreditation, Ascent Hospital offers advanced diagnostics, day care ENT surgeries, and 24 hrs ENT emergency care so you can make a timely, confident choice.

Understanding Mastoidectomy and Tympanoplasty

When do you need mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty?

Doctors usually recommend surgery when infection or damage keeps returning despite medicines. The aim is to create a safe dry ear and to restore hearing as much as possible.

Common reasons include:

• Chronic ear infection with a persistent eardrum perforation that does not heal

• Cholesteatoma, a skin cyst that grows in the middle ear and mastoid and erodes bone

• Recurrent ear discharge with foul smell or dizziness despite antibiotics

• Mastoiditis with pain, swelling behind the ear, or complications

• Significant hearing loss from damaged eardrum or tiny hearing bones

• Failed previous eardrum repair where revision may be needed

Before offering mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty your ENT surgeon will examine the ear using otoendoscope, check hearing with audiometry, and often obtain a high resolution CT scan of the temporal bone to map disease inside the mastoid.

Quick comparison of the two surgeries

Many patients need combined mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty when both the mastoid and eardrum are involved.

How doctors decide on mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty

Decision making balances safety and hearing. Your ENT Doctor will look for red flags like cholesteatoma, repeated infections despite care, or CT changes that show bone erosion. If the main problem is a stable eardrum hole with infections only during colds, a tympanoplasty may be all that is required. If infection has spread into the bone behind the ear, mastoidectomy reduces the risk of further complications. Some cases may also benefit from evaluation by the best tympanoplasty surgeon in Kerala.

Typical assessments include:

• Microscopic ear exam and endoscopy to see pockets or skin growth

• Pure tone audiometry and speech tests to measure hearing

• Tympanometry to check eardrum movement

• CT scan of the temporal bone to plan surgery

If you or your child has frequent infections and hearing loss, start with a comprehensive evaluation. You can book a visit at Ascent ENT Hospital Kerala or choose a location close to you like Ascent Hospital Calicut or Ascent Hospital Palakkad for easier follow up.

What happens during mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty

Most procedures are done under general anesthesia for comfort and precision. A small incision is made behind or above the ear. In mastoidectomy the surgeon uses a fine drill to open air cells in the mastoid bone and remove infected tissue or cholesteatoma. In tympanoplasty the eardrum is repaired using a thin graft, often fascia from near the ear, and the tiny bones may be rebuilt if needed. Surgeons skilled in ossicular chain repair, such as the best ossiculoplasty surgeon in Kerala, focus on restoring hearing mechanics. 

Modern techniques focus on hearing preservation and reducing recurrence. Some cases can be completed as day care ENT surgeries while others need overnight observation so the team can check balance and pain control.

Mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty aim for two outcomes, a safe dry ear and better hearing. When the ear remains free of infection, hearing aids or later procedures can add further improvement if required. In complex cases involving the stapes bone, patients may be referred to the best stapedectomy surgeon in Kerala.

Recovery, results and risks

• Most people return to desk work or school in about a week, with full activity after your surgeon clears you

• Keep the ear dry until advised, avoid nose blowing and heavy lifting during early healing

• Expect a sense of fullness or popping until the middle ear air space normalizes

• Flying is usually deferred for a few weeks, ask your surgeon for timing

Possible risks include infection recurrence, temporary taste changes on one side of the tongue, dizziness that settles, tinnitus or rarely facial nerve weakness. A second look surgery may be scheduled when cholesteatoma is extensive to confirm that disease has cleared.

If you have repeated infections or persistent discharge, consider seeing the best doctor for ear infections in Kerala early. Timely care can prevent complications and may improve hearing outcomes.

Where to get expert care in Kerala

Ascent ENT Hospital is widely regarded as the best ENT clinic in Kerala with ISO and NABH accreditation. Founded by Dr. Sharafudheen P.K, the hospital brings advanced diagnostic imaging, expert ENT surgeons, and a full spectrum of ear treatments to one place. Patients can access 24 hrs ENT emergency care when sudden ear pain or dizziness strikes. Some advanced hearing-loss cases may require referral to the best stapedectomy surgeon in India.

If significant nerve hearing loss remains after infection control, you can explore implant options with our dedicated program at the cochlear implantation hospital in Kerala. Guidance from the best Cochlear implant specialist in Kerala ensures thorough evaluation. Because complex hearing restoration cases evaluated in collaboration with the best cochlear implant surgeon in India ensure optimal outcomes.

Mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty are routinely performed at our Kerala and Dubai locations with careful preoperative planning and personalized follow up.

Key takeaways and next steps

• Mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty are proven operations that create a safe dry ear and can improve hearing when medicines are not enough

• Doctors recommend them for chronic ear infections, cholesteatoma, mastoiditis, and non healing eardrum perforations

• Careful diagnosis with microscope exam, hearing tests, and CT ensures the right plan

• Ascent Hospital provides experienced teams, modern microscopes, and day care pathways in Perinthalmanna, Calicut and Palakkad for smoother recovery

If you suspect you might need mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty, do not wait for recurring infections to cause complications. Book an ENT evaluation at Ascent ENT Hospital Kerala or your nearest Ascent location, then take the next step by contacting our team today.

Ready to talk to a specialist in Kerala about your ear health? Reach out now through our appointment form at https://www.ascenthospital.com/contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Do mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty cure cholesteatoma?

 The goal is complete removal of cholesteatoma and restoration of a safe ear. Some extensive cases need a planned second look to ensure all disease is cleared.

Will every eardrum perforation need surgery?

 Small recent holes may heal with time and ear protection. Long-standing perforations or those with hearing loss or discharge often benefit from tympanoplasty.

How soon can a child have ear surgery?

 Timing depends on infection control, hearing level, and school needs. Your ENT will balance safety and the benefits of better hearing for speech and learning.

How much hearing improvement should I expect?

 Results vary with the extent of damage to the eardrum and tiny bones. Your audiogram and exam guide realistic goals for hearing after surgery.

Is there a non-surgical option?

 Medicines and ear care help many patients. Surgery is considered when infections persist, when hearing is significantly reduced, or when imaging shows bone disease.

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