Before Middle Ear Surgery
You are having surgery on your middle ear. This sheet can help you get ready. If you have any questions, be sure to get answers before your procedure.
Preparing for Surgery
Prepare as you’ve been told. Be sure to:
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Schedule a presurgery checkup if one is needed.
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Take antibiotics or other medications if they are prescribed.
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Tell your provider what medications you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and supplements. Ask if you should stop taking them before surgery.
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Arrange for an adult family member or friend to drive you home after surgery.
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Do not eat or drink for the specified amount of time before your surgery.
About Anesthesia
Anesthesia is a type of medication. It keeps you from feeling pain during surgery. You will likely have one of the following:
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General anesthesia. This puts you into a state like deep sleep during the surgery.
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Local anesthesia with sedation. Local anesthesia numbs the area of surgery. Sedation makes you relaxed and sleepy. You will be awake during surgery or sleep lightly. But you will feel no pain.
Risks and Possible Complications of Middle Ear Surgery
All surgeries have risks. For middle ear surgery, these include:
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Infection
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Failure of a graft (patch, often made of tissue)
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Failure of donor bone
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Failure of a prosthesis (manmade replacement part)
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Further hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or dizziness
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Facial nerve damage
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Numbness in the outer ear
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A change in your sense of taste
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Dry mouth
