Post-Operative Instructions for Ear Surgery

1. Unless instructed otherwise, please be sure to call the doctor's office to confirm your follow-up appointment.
   
2. Apply a bead of antibiotic ointment to ear canal followed by a cotton ball once a day. Apply antibiotic ointment to wound behind ear twice a day.
   
3. Avoid undue exposure or fatigue as it may predispose to a cold. Heavy lifting is to be avoided.
   
4. Bloody or watery drainage from the ear canal is common after ear surgery. Call the office if discharge from the ear develops an odor.
   
5. DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR TWO WEEKS following the surgery. Any accumulated secretions in the nose should be expectorated through the mouth to avoid infecting the ear. If you sneeze, do so with your mouth open.
   
6. Bloody or watery drainage from the incision behind the ear may occur during the first ten days following surgery. If this is persistent, tape a piece of gauze behind the ear and call your doctor.
   
7. A full sensation with popping sounds may be noticed during the healing period and may last a few months.
   
8. Water should be kept out of the ear until it is healed. The hair may be shampooed one week following the surgery providing water is not allowed to enter the ear canal This is avoided by putting a plug of cotton with a coat of Vaseline or antibiotic ointment in the ear canal.
   
9. If you have had surgery to improve your hearing, do not be concerned regarding your hearing for a period of 6 - 8 weeks following surgery; your hearing will be evaluated at that time.
   
10. Take your antibiotic and pain medicine as directed. Unless otherwise instructed, resume all previous medications.
    
11. Call our office for temperature greater than 101 degrees, progressive redness, or swelling around the wound, persistent nausea and vomiting, facial weakness, or leg pain or swelling.

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