Answer:

Patients who have undergone eardrum repair, or tympanoplasty, must avoid getting water in their ears for at least 3-4 weeks, and sometimes up to 5-6 weeks, after the procedure. This precaution is crucial due to the risk of infection and potential damage from pressure changes, especially when swimming or diving.

Tympanoplasty restores the eardrum's integrity, limits chronic middle ear infections, and prevents progressive hearing loss. Surgeons typically recommend this procedure when an eardrum perforation does not heal naturally, leading to recurrent ear infections, repeated middle ear discharge, and impaired hearing ability.

Following surgery, a merocel, a soft, sponge-like material similar to gauze, is placed in the ear to secure the eardrum graft. This merocel is usually removed during a follow-up appointment about 10-14 days later. Doctors may also prescribe liquid ear drops to prevent post-operative infection.

The eardrum graft typically takes 3-4 weeks to heal, though it can extend to 5-6 weeks in some cases. During this recovery period, patients must keep their ears dry, avoiding water entry and refraining from swimming or sea bathing. Immediately after surgery, the eardrum is not fully stable, and the ear's natural protective barrier is compromised. Pool and seawater often contain chemicals, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. If water enters the ear, it increases the risk of middle ear infections, hindering the healing process.

Doctors during an eardrum repair surgery. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Scuba diving is also not advised after eardrum repair. As one descends underwater, environmental pressure increases with depth. The middle ear, an air-filled cavity behind the eardrum, requires pressure equalization through the Eustachian tube. If external pressure rises quickly and the middle ear cannot equalize pressure, the eardrum can stretch, causing pain and risking re-rupture or re-perforation.

After approximately one month, once the eardrum has fully healed and a doctor confirms good recovery, patients may use earplugs for swimming. When showering, cover your head and protect the surgical ear area from water.

Should water accidentally enter the ear, use only a clean towel to dry the outside; do not insert cotton swabs or any objects into the ear canal. If abnormal signs appear, such as increased pain, fever, pus discharge, or bleeding from the ear, seek prompt medical attention for examination and treatment.

Master, Doctor Nguyen Thuy Linh

Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic