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After Ear Surgery Care

Discharge Information: post Ear Surgery

Dear Patient/Carer:

Please read this document carefully as it contains important information that complements the
instructions given by your MEG Specialist during your recent surgical admission.

Medications:

  • Pain Management:
    • You will receive prescribed analgesics on discharge (e.g. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
    • Use as directed, and consult your MEG ENT Specialist if you have any
      concerns/questions.
    • Most patients do not experience much pain.
    • If it occurs it can be with simple pain medication
  • Topical Antibiotics:
    • For after ear surgery care your MEG ENT Specialist may prescribe topical antibiotic drops post-operatively.
    • Use as directed.
  • Wound Care:
    • Keeping the Operated Ear Dry.
      • You must keep your ear canal dry until further advice from your MEG ENT
        Specialist.
      • After your MEG ENT Specialist removes any packing, (See below) you will be able to
        use cotton wool coated with Vaseline® / ear plugs / Blu-tac® / shower caps when
        showering or taking baths to avoid getting water in the ears.
      • Avoid swimming until your MEG ENT Specialist advises you it is safe to do so.
      • If you are able to return to swimming, using ear plugs (custom or disposable) is
        advisable.
    • Ear plugs can be bought from chemists and are of variable effectiveness
    • Ensure they are the ones for water exclusion (not the noise protection variety).
    • The best are custom made plugs, although they are more expensive – they are
      available from audiologists/hearing aid specialists.

      • Wash your hair carefully at a sink and keep your operated ear away from the water.
        You may then wash the rest of your body as usual (shower or bath)
  • General Ear Canal Care.
    • Do not remove your ear packing.
    • If your ear packing dislodges from the ear canal, do not try to reinsert it. Please notify
      MEG practice as soon as practicable.
    • If instructed to use Antibiotic eardrops, drop them on top of the ear packing (as this is
      usually a sponge material) as instructed.
  • Skin wound care
    • You may have a wound at the opening of the ear canal, or behind the ear.
    • This wound may be covered by adhesive paper strips (Steri-strips®).
    • As one of an after ear surgery care, please clean this area daily with water +/- a medicated anti-bacterial soap.
    • Gently dab this region dry an leave exposed.
    • The steri-strips® may fall off as the days go by; if not your MEG ENT Specialist will
      remove them at your post-operative appointment.
  • Bleeding:
    • Bleeding from the ear, or from the wound behind the ear occurs occasionally.
    • This is common after any pack/head dressing is removed but usually stops quickly.
    • If bleeding occurs, place gauze or cotton wool over the area and if it continues to be a
      problem contact your MEG ENT specialist or GP.

Diet:

  • No restrictions

Return to Normal Activities:

  • First 72 hours:
    • Have relative rest at home.
    • Try to sleep on your back with your head elevated by 2-3 pillows.
  • Weeks 1-2 Post-op:
    • Avoid blowing your nose
    • If required, use saline nasal sprays to clean your nasal passages.
    • Avoid lifting heavy objects.
    • Avoid bending over – If you need to pick up objects from the floor, do so by bending
      your knees and keeping your head upright if possible.
  • Weeks 3-4 Post-op:
    • You may now restart slowly all previous levels of physical activity (including exercise and
      sports)
  • First 3 months Post-op:
    • MEG ENT Specialists advise you avoid taking airflights during this period if possible.

Attend your nearest Emergency Department or Local GP Clinic if:

  • Your GP if: You have headache, fever or severe pain that doesn’t respond to the prescribed
    analgaesics.

    • Your MEG ENT Specialist would be keen to provide advice to your doctor if required
  • Your Emergency department or Call 000 if: you have sudden onset hearing loss or
    vertigo/dizziness or increasing nausea/vomiting.

    • Ask the attending physician to contact your MEG ENT Specialist for immediate advice.

On your Postoperative Appointment:

  • 1st post-operative visit: your MEG ENT Specialist
  • 2nd post-operative visit: your MEG ENT Specialist will remove the packing from your ear
    and clean your ear canal
  • A follow-up audiogram will be organised through MEG, or you will be instructed to
    attend for a post-operative audiogram in your local area.

We will confirm the time and date of your post-operative appointment soon. Do not hesitate to
contact us if you require any further information regarding these instructions.

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