Post-Op Instructions for Stapedectomy

At the completion of your stapes operation, your doctor will have used one of three kinds of packing in your ear canal to hold the eardrum back in position to allow it to heal. In most instances, this packing will cause a decrease in hearing, just as putting your finger in your ear will produce decreased hearing. Quite commonly, this packing is an ointment which will gradually run out of your ear over a period of several days. Do not be surprised if there is a somewhat thick, perhaps blood-tinged, drainage from your ear during this period of time. By the time you return to the office, most, if not all, of the packing will be gone, and you may begin noticing some improvement in your hearing. The other kind of packing that is used is a gelatin-like material, which will usually be removed in the office at the first postoperative visit. Legal decisions and risky activities (like driving) should not be done while strong pain medications are used.

1.	You should keep your ear completely dry until your doctor has instructed you that it is safe to get water in the ear.
2.	You should also refrain from blowing your nose, and if you have to sneeze, be sure that your mouth is open.
3.	Lift no objects over 15 pounds of weight for 3 weeks.
4.	You will need to be sure to make an appointment for a follow-up visit in the office approximately ten days after your surgery.
5.	Begin placing 4 drops of mineral oil, 4 times a day, in the operated ear 3 days before your first postoperative office visit.
6.	It is anticipated that it may require several weeks for your hearing to attain its maximum gain after the surgery. Should there be any questions or unanticipated problems, from your standpoint, feel free to call the office.