Prepare for the procedure as you have been instructed. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines. It also includes herbs and other supplements. You may need to stop taking some or all of them before surgery. Your healthcare provider will discuss this with you. Also, follow any directions you’re given for not eating or drinking before surgery.

The surgery takes about 1 to 3 hours. You’ll likely go home on the same day or you may stay over night. Before the surgery begins:

• An IV line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line supplies fluids and medicines.

• To keep you free of pain, you’re given general anesthesia. This medicine puts you into a state like deep sleep through the surgery.

You’ll be taken to a room to wake up from the anesthesia. You’ll be given medicines to manage pain and prevent infection. If you have packing inside the ear canal, you may have trouble hearing out of that ear. This is not a sign of a problem. Be aware that you may have some dizziness after the surgery. This can last for a few days. When it’s time for you to be released from the hospital, have an adult family member or friend ready to drive you.

Once at home, follow any special instructions you are given. Make sure to:

• Take all medicines as directed. These may include ear drops and ear ointment.

• Care for your incision and packing as instructed.

• Make sure you know what you are allowed to do as far as daily activities. Ask about exercise, driving, and travel.

Be sure you have a contact number for your healthcare provider. After you get home, call if you have:

• Chest pain or trouble breathing (call 911)

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• Bright red bleeding or foul-smelling drainage from your ear (some pink-tinged drainage is normal)

• Increased redness or swelling around the ear

• Severe headache and stiff neck

• Facial weakness

• Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting that gets worse

• Pain that cannot be controlled with medicines

During follow-up visits, your healthcare provider will check your healing. If your stitches or packing need to be removed, this may be done in about 7 to 10 days. You and your healthcare provider can also discuss any more treatments or surgeries that may be needed. Going forward, you’ll need regular visits with your healthcare provider to have your ear checked and cleaned. 

Risks of these procedures include:

• Change in the shape of the ear

• Bleeding

• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)

• Change in sense of taste

• Infection

• Spinning sensation (vertigo)

• Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (liquid around brain and spinal cord)

• Hearing loss, which may be permanent

• Facial weakness or paralysis

• Need for more surgery

• Risks of anesthesia