SubJeff on 10/1/2010 at 19:35
I've got one too and its going to need a surgical repair at some point. It doesn't actually impair hearing, per se, but for months after it perfed I had a lot of difficulty localising sound as the quality (not the volume) of sound in each ear differs.
I'm used to it now though but have to get it done at some point. Its going to be... interesting being on the other end of the drugs! One should really leave it six months to a year before getting it operated on, a year that is ear infection free because post-op infection is not what you want. At all.
How long has it been Bob?
Macha on 10/1/2010 at 20:06
Tympanoplasty is the procedure I think. They had to cut their way through the back of my ear to graft skin onto the ear drum. It's a horrible procedure and you're meant to be down and out for 2 weeks afterwards so its a mother bitch if you need it done and you don't have a holiday coming up.
OnionBob on 10/1/2010 at 20:21
It's been like 2 weeks. I have constant tinnitus but there has been no talk of surgery from my GP as of yet
SubJeff on 10/1/2010 at 20:27
Depends how big the hole is. Smaller holes that still have a sloughy edge that hasn't granulated often heal themselves. Even large holes, like one I have (1/3 of the ear drum!) can heal on their own. Time will tell.
Do not, repeat do not, get water in there. If it gets past the eardrum it gives you a special deep-in-the-head pain you can do nothing about, that has a really fucking irritating quality, messes up your hearing big time for a couple of days at least and you are much, much more likely to get an infection.
I've been showering with an earplug/toilet roll in my ear for almost a year now.
OnionBob on 10/1/2010 at 20:45
The guy said it was a little hole in the middle, and he anticipated it healing in 4-6 weeks. He said I could still swim but that I shouldn't dive. I normally swim 3-4 times a week but haven't gone swimming since it happened. I'll get some proper earplugs before I do, in that case.
