Q&A

Subject: Holes in both ear drums

From: B

Hi, I am writing to see if anything can be done about holes in both of my eardrums. I was born with holes in them. I'm 33 right now and every now and then, I get ringing in my ears and fluid leaks out of my ears. I've been to two doctors who want to do surgery on both of my ears. What is the risk in this?

Dear B,

If you have had holes in both eardrums for 33 years, I would say that the prognosis for successfully closing them is pretty poor. I am surprised that none of the doctors you have consulted has conducted hearing testing. That should show you the amount of hearing loss and what portion, if any, represents permanent nerve damage.

They also can test how effectively your Eustachian tube functions. I have read that if there is good Eustachian tube function, then there is an 80% chance of success for the surgery to patch the eardrum. If there is poor Eustachian tube function, then there is an 80% chance that the surgery will fail. The surgery itself is very low risk. As long as those holes are there, you should be very careful not to get water in your ears and that can carry germs and cause more infections and drainage.

With your physician's permission, you could consider hearing aids if that is your choice.

Good Luck!

Solveig