This instructions sheet is designed to help you care for your ear following surgery and to answer many commonly asked questions. Please read it carefully.
1. Do not blow your nose until the doctor tells you that your ear is healed. Any secretions in the nose may be drawn back into the throat and spit out if needed. This is especially important if you get a cold.
2. Do not “pop” your ears by holding your nose and blowing air through the Eustachian tubes into the ear. If you need to sneeze, do so only with your mouth open.
3. Do not allow water to enter the ear until the doctor tells you your ear is healed. When showering or washing hair, cotton must be placed in the outer ear opening and covered with Vaseline, until the doctor says it is no longer needed. If an incision was made in the skin behind your ear, water should be kept away from this area for 2 weeks.
4. Do not take any unnecessary chance of catching a cold. Avoid undue fatigue or exposure to people with colds. Should you get a cold, treat it in your usual way. Report to your doctor if you have ear symptoms.
5. You may have a certain amount of pulsation, popping, clicking, and other sounds in the ear and also a feeling of fullness in the ear. Occasional sharp shooting pain is not unusual. At times it may feel as if there is liquid in the ear. Minor dizziness may be present when you move your head and need not concern you unless it increases.
6. There are no specific travel restrictions. During the first 2 weeks following surgery, however, commercial air travel is preferred to automobile or train travel for trips over 200 miles. It is advisable to chew gum to stimulate swallowing during altitude changes whether traveling in the air or by car.
7. If you have been given an antibiotic or any other medication, be sure to take it as directed for as long as it is prescribed.
8. If you have questions about your medication or any problems after surgery is done and you have gone home, please do not hesitate to call your doctor. If you are concerned enough about something, it is important that we know about it. Any questions about seeing blood from the mouth, or swallowing blood, should be reported without hesitation.
Please call ENT at 541- 754-1251 if there are any questions.
After hours call 541-754-1150
