Myringotomy: How long til the ear feels normal?

@sepdvm I am reviving this conversation because I saw an ENT yesterday for chronic ear symptoms such as popping/fullness and mild but recurrent ear aches. The ENT suggested Myringotomy, which i’ve learned is the process for puncturing the ear drum but not putting in tubes. It sounds like many people commented shortly after the process. I’m reluctant to get the procedure done after reading about risks and then reading comments here. Can anyone comment how this worked out in the long run?

I’m even more nervous about getting tubes in my ears after reading possible complications and the ENT suggested that the myringotomy would be a good test to see if tubes would relieve my symptoms. Now that I’m thinking about it, it would also mean I’d have 2 sets of holes in my ears so makes me wonder if doing a myringotomy as a test is a bad idea too.

I’d love to hear how others have made out after this procedure. Thanks,

Hello @kathyhg, and welcome. There are always complications but you have to weigh the risks with the potential benefit. My husband still has a tube in one ear from years ago. No longer gets painful earaches but occasionally does feel pressure in the ear with no tube. The current ENT does try to stay away from tubes and encourages decongestant and steroid nasal spray. Have you tried those? I wonder if you should look for a second opinion. Have you had any diagnostics done at all? In his experience a myringotomy tends to heal rather quickly but that is only one time when his ear pain was intense after flying. It provided immediate relief and had closed by itself in 6 months. How long have you been dealing with this condition?

Interested in comments: have had ear issues similar for long time on and off: moderate hearing loss but no hearing aids as have Hyperacusis; tinnitus and for severtal years musical ear syndrome and stuffy ears/pain/etc on and off but now has been horrible (along with other illnesses) and can barely cope... thng is with Normal Tension Glaucoma and narrow angles, even tho have had iridotomy each eye: I was warned not to take any meds that increase eye pressure.. some drs. say oh it will be ok; others say there is still a chance of vision loss: s I cant take decongestants. Five yrs ago our only busy ENT said didnt want to give me tubes as fifty percent get infection (I dont know if that is true) but i have had sooo many antibiotics for utis that have had one and they wont give me any more antibiotics so i am really up the creek without a paddle. Could be worse issues , and I have some, but this almost constant sore plugged up ears etc. can sure wear one down! 🙁 Hope you can share more... take care, J.

@sepdvm I really appreciate your comments and questions. I’ve decided not to go ahead with myringotomy procedure after reading more online and comments from people here.

I don’t think the ENT adequately assessed what was going on with me. I also think he could have presented other options when a quick internet search tells me there are other ways to treat this or not treat this. I’ve had this condition for neatly 7 years and not sure this is the best option for a chronic condition.

I’ve seen this ENT in the past and found him to be dismissive and disinterested. I had forgotten about that until I started thinking about the way he managed this appointment. Considering all of this, I am going to ask my GP first a referral to another ENT.

Thanks for your thoughtful comments.