Reduced hearing from scar tissue on ear drum

[hpcrazyuk]

When i was younger, between the ages of 6 and 12 i had 2 full sets of gromits (ear tubes) and an extra one in my right ear. Last year i had an ear infection, my ear drum burst and while the doctor was checking it out he told me that i had a lot of scar tissue from these 3 operations. He gave me antibiotics and told me to return if i experienced anymore hearing loss (my hearing has always been subnormal in my right ear since these operations).

Now, i'm starting to realise that my hearing has infact gotten even worse, but considering it's due to this scar tissue i don't know that anything can be done about it? I don't really want to waste the doctors time if this is the case, does anyone know if there's anything that can be done with scar tissue to improve hearing or what the doctor is likely to suggest?

[hpcrazyuk]

Oh and i'm 21 now, if that makes a difference

[AnnaBandana]

I had grommets put in last year in September, I went for a check up today and my doctor said that I have a lot of scar tissue forming on the ear drum and need to address it quickly, or the effects will become permanent. Because of the scar tissue my hearing is way less than normal. Like being under water all the time.
He gave me a months worth of prescriptions for ciproxin and said if I don't take them it could become permanent.
By guessing what he said I think the effects are permanent and theres nothing you can do about it, but definitley try seeing a ENT about it, maybe there is something you can do.

[smilesngiggles]

I had 5 sets of ear tubes between the ages of 5 and 13.  It resulted in my ear drums shredding during the last set of tubes.  I have a 35% overall hearing loss with more on my right ear.  I ended up having my ear drums rebuilt (twice on my right side).  My hearing improved to the 35% level but never will get back to normal as a result of the scar tissue and constant ear infections.  I have not had an ear infection since I was 21 (I am now 30).  The best thing to do is to address the problem with your ENT as soon as possible.  That will give you a better chance of getting the best hearing you can.

[ENTMD]

I don't know where your doctor is getting his information...but I completely disagree with what you have written there.  Antibiotics are NOT going to remove scar tissue.  There is no data to support what he is advocating and for "months"?  Ridiculous.  The scar tissue on/in your ear drum may or may not even be the cause of hearing loss.  Who made this conclusion for you?  Were other causes considered and ruled out?  Many people have a fair amount of scarring in their drums and have no measurable hearing loss.  If indeed your ear drum is completely scarred and hearing loss has resulted, there is not good evidence that surgically replacing it would solve the problem.  These people will often reform the scar tissue.  But, that may not even be your problem.  Don't take the medicine -- see an ENT specialist.