A myringotomy is a surgery performed on your tympanic membrane (eardrum). A tiny incision is created in your eardrum to allow fluid to drain from your middle ear. Myringotomy is most often recommended to treat otitis media with effusion (fluid in the ear). On average, myringotomy recovery takes about four weeks.
A myringotomy is a surgery performed by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist to drain fluid from your middle ear. A myringotomy may be completed on one ear or both (bilateral myringotomy).
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During a myringotomy, your surgeon creates a tiny hole in your tympanic membrane (eardrum). In some cases, your surgeon may also perform a companion procedure called a tympanostomy. During tympanostomy, your surgeon places an ear tube in the myringotomy incision. An ear tube equalizes pressure in your ears and helps prevent recurrent (returning) infections.
A myringotomy may be necessary for children and adults with:
Most myringotomies are performed on children because young people are more prone to ear infections. However, many adults need myringotomy, too. Barotrauma is the most common reason for myringotomy in adults.
The main purpose of a myringotomy is to allow fluid that’s trapped in your middle ear to drain out. This fluid could be water, blood or pus.
Your healthcare provider will perform an examination of your ear using an instrument called an otoscope. They may also run hearing tests and blood tests, and they’ll likely perform a tympanogram — a test that measures how well your ear drum responds to pressure changes.
If your healthcare provider determines that a myringotomy is right for you, they’ll give you a list of preoperative instructions. Generally, you shouldn’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your myringotomy procedure. You’ll also need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment.
In most cases, myringotomy surgery is performed under general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. But it may also be done with a topical anesthetic in the office. During your myringotomy procedure, your surgeon uses a small microscope so they can see your eardrum clearly. Next, they’ll create a tiny hole in your eardrum and drain the fluid from your middle ear. In some cases, your surgeon will also perform a tympanostomy by placing an ear tube (myringotomy tube) into the incision. This ear tube allows drainage from your middle ear to continue.
No stitches are necessary because the incision will heal on its own. Once your myringotomy surgery is complete, your surgeon will pack your ear with gauze. From start to finish, a myringotomy takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Anesthesia prevents pain during myringotomy surgery. However, you may experience some mild pain or discomfort following your procedure. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease discomfort. Your surgeon may also give you numbing ear drops. Be sure to take all medications as directed.
Your ear might feel clogged after myringotomy surgery. This is a normal side effect, and it could take a few days for your hearing to improve.
Your surgeon will give you a detailed list of postoperative instructions. You’ll need to follow these guidelines closely to ensure a successful recovery. In general, you should:
Wear earplugs when you bathe or shower.
Myringotomy offers a number of potential benefits. For example, myringotomy can:
Like any surgical procedure, myringotomy comes with some risks. Possible complications include:
Most people fully recover in about four weeks. If you had ear tubes put in, they should fall out on their own within six to 12 months.
After myringotomy, most people will be able to go back to work or school within one to two days. Ask your healthcare provider when it’s safe to return to normal routines.
If you’ve recently undergone myringotomy, it’s important to keep a close eye on any side effects. You should call your healthcare provider if you develop:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you have frequent ear infections, barotrauma or other conditions caused by fluid in your ear, a myringotomy can ease your symptoms. This common surgical procedure helps release fluid from your middle ear, reducing your risk of pain, infection, hearing problems and more. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if myringotomy is right for you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/27/2022.
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