Eardrum repair: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for trouble breathing, collapse, chest pain, or another severe reaction after anaesthesia.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your healthcare team promptly if you have:

   • Pain that is worsening rather than improving
   • Fever, increasing redness or swelling, or foul-smelling drainage
   • Bleeding that soaks through the dressing
   • Repeated vomiting or dizziness that prevents normal movement
   • An incision that opens
   • Packing that falls out, unless told this may happen

   Seek urgent medical assessment for sudden major hearing loss, severe persistent spinning, or new weakness on one side of your face.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   For routine questions about packing, activity, hearing, or returning to work, contact the surgical clinic during normal hours.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Eardrum repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.