Aural atresia repair

Aural atresia is the lack of an ear canal. It may occur in one or both ears. In aural atresia repair, the doctor rebuilds the canal and middle ear. This surgery is done when a child is at least 5 years old.

The doctor makes a new ear canal and fixes problems in the middle ear. Your child will be asleep during the surgery.

Children often go home several hours after surgery. They may have ear pain for a few days after surgery. Your child will probably be able to go back to school or day care within a week.

The surgery should improve your child's hearing. But your child may still need a hearing aid.

When a child has aural atresia, the outside of the ear may not look normal. The doctor may want to repair it as well. This is done in a separate surgery, usually before the canal and middle ear are fixed.

Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.

Preparing for surgery

• Talk to your child about the surgery. Tell your child that the surgery should help their hearing. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
• Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
• Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
• Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell the doctors ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies your child takes. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia. Your doctor will tell you which medicines your child should take or stop before surgery.

The day before surgery

• A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's surgery and answer any questions.
• Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

Activity

• Have your child stay in bed for the first few days. When your child is ready, your child can begin playing again. Encourage quiet indoor play for the first 3 to 5 days.
• Your child will probably be able to go back to school or day care within a week.
• For at least 2 weeks, or as long as your doctor recommends, do not let your child play hard. Take care that your child does not do anything that would turn them upside down, such as playing on monkey bars or doing somersaults. Also keep your child from sports, bike riding, jumping, or running until your doctor says it is okay.
• For about 7 days, keep your child away from crowds or people that you know have a cold or the flu. This can help keep your child from getting an infection.
• Try to have your child avoid coughing, nose blowing, or throat clearing. Wipe their nose gently if needed. Tell your child to open their mouth when sneezing and to make a sound to prevent pressure buildup.
• Keep the ear covered during baths to keep water from getting in the ear for as long as your doctor recommends.

Diet

• Have your child drink plenty of fluids for the first 24 hours to avoid becoming dehydrated. Use clear fluids, such as water, apple juice, and flavored ice pops.
• You may notice a change in your child's bowel habits right after surgery. This is common. If your child has not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, call your doctor.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart any medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about your child taking any new medicines.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, have your child take it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If you think the pain medicine is making your child sick to the stomach:
  • Give the medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
  • Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, be sure your child takes them as directed. Your child should not stop taking them just because they feel better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If your child gets medicine for dizziness, be sure it's taken as directed.