You had surgery to repair a hole in your eardrum. The repair may have been done using tissue taken from another part of your ear (called a graft).

You'll likely go home the same day as the surgery.

You may feel dizzy for a few days after surgery. If the doctor made a cut (incision) behind your ear, the area may be sore. You may have ear pain for about a week. Some bloody fluid may drain from your ear canal and the incision.

Your ear will probably feel blocked or stuffy for a while. You may not be able to hear as well as you did before. This usually gets better as your eardrum heals and the foam packing or ointment inside your ear dissolves. It happens about 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.

While you're healing, it's important to avoid getting water in your ear. You'll also need to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and other activities that may put pressure on your eardrum.

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Avoid sudden head movements and bending over for the first 2 or 3 days after surgery. These movements may make you dizzy.
• For 2 to 4 weeks or until your doctor says it’s okay, avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, or aerobic exercise. Also avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include a child, heavy grocery bags, and milk containers.
• Don’t fly in an airplane, swim, scuba dive, or play contact sports until your doctor says it’s okay. These activities could prevent your eardrum from healing correctly.
• Don't blow your nose for 4 weeks. If you need to sneeze or cough, don't try to stop it. Open your mouth, and don't pinch your nose.
• Don’t smoke, vape, or use other tobacco or nicotine products. These things slow healing and recovery. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
• Most people are able to go back to work or their normal routine in about 1 to 2 weeks. But if your job involves strenuous activity or heavy lifting, you may need to take more time off.

• You can eat your normal diet.
• Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol. Alcohol may make dizziness worse.

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

• You may have a cut (incision) with a dressing over it. A dressing helps the incision heal and protects it. Your doctor will tell you how to take care of this.
• Keep the area clean and dry.

• Don't get water in your ear for 1 to 3 months, or until your doctor says it is okay. You can take baths, but don't shower or get water near your ear until the packing is removed. When you bathe, plug your ear with a cotton ball lightly coated in petroleum jelly to keep water out.

• Call 911anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have severe trouble breathing.
  • You have sudden chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
• Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
  • You bleed through your bandage.
  • You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
  • You have symptoms of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the incision.
    • Pus draining from the ear or incision.
    • A fever.
• Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
  • You do not get better as expected.