Tympanoplasty or reconstruction of the middle ear hearing mechanism serves the purpose of rebuilding the tympanic membrane and/or middle ear bones.

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There are some complications that do occasionally occur. Hearing loss is uncommon if the operation is limited to repairing the tympanic membrane. Injury to the facial nerve is rare when mastoidectomy is also performed. As a general statement, complete success in restoring hearing without complication is related to the severity of the disease present before surgery, and those are the cases that have the highest priority for surgical management.

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Loss of sense of taste on the side of the tongue may occur. It is usually only a minor inconvenience for a few weeks. Persistent postoperative dizziness is almost unheard of after surgery limited to the repair of a tympanic membrane perforation and uncommon after rebuilding the ear bones.

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Unless control of infection or concern of cholesteatoma is the reason for surgery, tympanoplasty is an elective procedure. Use of a hearing aid may be an alternative to reconstructive surgery.

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If the tympanic membrane perforation is not repaired, earplugs are recommended to protect the middle ear from contamination when bathing. This may help to prevent infection and its complications.