How long does it take to recover from a myringotomy?

Under normal circumstances, the recovery period for myringotomy is 1 to 2 weeks, with the exact duration influenced by individual physical condition, postoperative care, and severity of the condition. Most patients recover smoothly with proper care, while those with more complex conditions may require a longer recovery time. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Myringotomy involves minimal trauma and is primarily used to drain fluid accumulation from the middle ear. For patients with small amounts of middle ear effusion and good eardrum condition, the puncture site typically closes gradually within about one week, and symptoms such as ear fullness and hearing loss significantly improve. Keeping the ear dry during this time, avoiding exposure to contaminated water, and refraining from forceful nose-blowing can promote mucosal healing, allowing most patients to return to normal within two weeks.

If the middle ear fluid is viscous or recurrent, or if mild infection occurs after surgery, the recovery period may extend beyond two weeks. In such cases, patients should follow medical advice to use ear drops to prevent infection, avoid strenuous exercise and respiratory infections, and protect the eardrum from air pressure changes before it has fully healed. Follow-up examinations may be necessary to assess recovery progress.

After surgery, it's important to develop healthy habits, such as avoiding headphone use and ear picking, and staying away from noisy environments. A light diet rich in vitamin-containing foods is recommended, along with regular sleep patterns to enhance immunity and support eardrum healing.