Surgical reconstruction of the TYMPANIC MEMBRANE (eardrum). Damage to the tympanic membrane can occur as a result of scarring due to repeated OTITIS media (middle EAR INFECTION), traumatic injury, and acquired defects such as might remain following removal of a CHOLESTEATOMA (pocketlike growth). The otolaryngologist cuts out a small piece of FASCIA (thin connective tissue that covers muscle) from the temporal MUSCLE at the point of incision behind the ear when the OPERATION begins; this becomes the new tympanic membrane. Restoration of hearing varies and may depend on factors not related to the tympanoplasty. Infection, which may be present in the middle ear at the time of the surgery, can cause the new tympanic membrane to fail. About 80 percent of adults who undergo tympanoplasty experience improvement in hearing and reduced otitis.
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