Ear Surgery

Exostoses (Surfer's Ear)


Exostoses are areas of excessive bone growth within the ear canal. They are caused by repeated exposure to cold water and are commonly seen in surfers, divers and others who spend significant time in the ocean. Many people also believe that cold wind exposure (wind chill) contributes to their development.


When exostoses become severe enough to cause hearing loss, recurrent infections or difficulty clearing ear wax, surgery may be recommended.


The procedure is performed in hospital under a general anaesthetic and usually takes between 1 and 3 hours. My preferred technique is through a post-auricular (behind the ear) incision, rather than through the ear canal. This approach provides better access and visibility, allowing for a more precise operation and, in my experience, excellent long-term outcomes.

Patients should avoid surfing and other water activities for approximately six weeks following surgery.


Myringoplasty (Eardrum Repair)


A perforated eardrum may occur as a result of infection or injury. Many perforations will heal naturally, so a period of observation is often recommended before considering surgery.


If repair is required, a Myringoplasty is performed to close the perforation and restore the integrity of the eardrum. The operation is usually carried out through a post-auricular (behind the ear) incision, using a small graft of fascia (connective tissue) taken from behind the ear.


Patients should avoid swimming for 6–8 weeks after surgery.

 

Middle Ear Ventilation Tubes (Grommets)


Middle ear ventilation tubes, commonly known as grommets, are tiny tubes inserted into the eardrum to help ventilate the middle ear and prevent the build-up of fluid.


Why are grommets recommended?


Grommets may be recommended if the patient has:

  • Hearing loss caused by fluid in the middle ear
  • Delayed speech or language development in children related to hearing difficulties
  • Frequent or severe middle ear infections causing pain, disturbed sleep, and disruption for the patient and family
  • Persistent middle ear fluid (glue ear)


Acute Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)


Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that can cause:

  • Ear pain
  • Fever
  • Inflammation of the eardrum


In some cases, the eardrum may rupture, causing fluid or pus to drain from the ear. Although this can be alarming, it often relieves the pain.


Fluid may remain in the middle ear for several weeks or even months after the infection has resolved. Acute otitis media is considered recurrent if it occurs more than three times within six months.


Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion (Glue Ear)


When fluid remains in the middle ear for more than three months, it is known as glue ear.


Factors that can contribute to glue ear include:

  • Poor eustachian tube function
  • Children under 3 years of age
  • Attendance at childcare or daycare
  • A recent middle ear infection
  • Colder seasons
  • Structural conditions such as a cleft palate


Benefits of Grommets


For many patients with glue ear, grommets can:

  • Restore hearing quickly and effectively
  • Reduce the frequency of middle ear infections
  • Improve speech and language development when hearing loss has contributed to delay
  • Improve behaviour, learning, and overall quality of life by restoring hearing


Most patients experience a rapid improvement in hearing soon after the procedure.