Before Middle Ear Surgery

Schedule a presurgery checkup if one is needed.

Take antibiotics or other medicines as your provider directs.

Tell your provider what medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Ask if you should stop taking any of these before surgery.

Tell your provider if you have a pacemaker or other medical device that's implanted.

Tell your provider about any allergies, such as to medicine and latex.

Review your informed consent papers. Signing an informed consent means your questions about the surgery were answered. It also means you understand its risks and benefits, and you agree to have it done. Get all of your questions answered before you sign.

Plan for an adult family member or friend to drive you home after surgery.

Follow all directions you are given for not eating or drinking before surgery.

General anesthesia. This puts you into a state like deep sleep during the surgery.

Local anesthesia with sedation. Local anesthesia numbs the place of surgery. Sedation makes you relaxed and sleepy. You will be awake during surgery. Or you may sleep lightly. But you will feel no pain.

Infection

Failure of a graft or patch (often made of tissue). This can cause a hole in the eardrum.

Failure of the replacement part (prosthesis)

More hearing loss, such as total hearing loss (rare), ringing in the ears, or dizziness 

Facial droop

Numbness of the outer ear

A change in your sense of taste

Dry mouth