Ear surgery: aftercare advice
Information for patients from Day Surgery
You have had an operation on your ear. This leaflet explains how you should care for your wound when you return home.
When you get home and for the first few days after your surgery
Arrange for someone to collect you from hospital and look after you for the first 24 hours.
Do not drive, drink alcohol, cook, or operate any machinery for at least 48 hours after your operation.
How do I look after my wound once I get home?
Remove your head bandage the day after your surgery. Gently clean any dried blood with warm water and change the cotton wool.
If steri-strips were used to close the cut behind your ear, please do not remove these yourself. They will either fall off on their own, or you will have them removed at your follow-up appointment.
You will have some packing inside your ear canal. Please keep this in place until your follow-up appointment at the hospital.
Do not get your ear wet. Do not to wash your hair until we remove the packing at your follow-up appointment.
I have discharge coming from my ear, is this normal?
Yes. You will have a small amount of discharge come out of your ear but this will settle in a few days. Place clean cotton wool in your ear to absorb this and change the cotton wool regularly. If any packing gets stuck to the cotton wool, use clean scissors to trim the ends. Do not remove the packing.
General advice
Take your ear drops and painkillers, as prescribed.
Use brushes / combs with care; do not touch your stitches.
When sneezing, pinch your nose and open your mouth, so the sneeze comes out of your mouth. This will avoid putting too much pressure on your eardrum.
Try to avoid contact with people who have coughs or colds.
Do not bend, stoop, or make any sudden head movements.
Avoid constipation, as this may increase the pressure in your eardrum.
Please do not swim until after your outpatient follow-up appointment.
When can I return to work?
You should be able to return to work within two weeks of having surgery.
Will I have a follow-up appointment?
Yes. You will have an outpatient appointment to come back to the hospital for your ear to be checked. We will remove your packing at this appointment.
What if I have any questions or concerns?
Please contact Rotary Ward on 01233 616261, if you have any of the following.
Sudden hearing loss
Severe dizziness
Bad smelling or heavy discharge
Bleeding through your wick
Severe pain