• Some vertigo, nausea or vomiting may be experienced in the immediate post-operative period. It is therefore preferable to stick to a light soft bland meal. A regular diet/ diabetic diet/ diet recommended by the dietician may be resumed the day following the surgery.
• Some earache on chewing food and some difficulty in fully opening the mouth may be experienced.
• The operated ear may feel blocked for sometime after surgery.
• Any dressing around the ear needs to be kept dry. Do not take a hair bath for a week following the surgery. A hair bath can be taken a week following the surgery after stitch removal. Do not allow any water to enter the operated ear for upto 6 weeks following surgery. A cotton ball can be used to prevent water from entering the ear when showering or washing the hair.
• Thick, dark or reddish discharge or brown/dark red pieces extruding from the ear may be seen during the first week following the surgery. This is usually medicated packing material (gelfoam) used during the surgery. Do not attempt to replace the pieces or remove the remaining pieces that are still in the ear canal. You may clean the crusting from the outer part of the ear with cotton. Replace the cotton ball in the ear with clean, dry piece if the existing one is soiled.
• When sleeping try to sleep on the non-operated ear.
• Take your medicines and follow up with your doctor as advised.

Activity/Returning to Work

For the first month after surgery, you will need to follow some general guidelines:

• Do not lift very heavy weights.
• Do not bend at the waist. Instead bend at the knees and hips while keeping your upper body straight.
• Do not strain while having a bowel movement. Take a stool softener if required.
• Wipe your nose, but do not blow your nose.
• Sneeze with your mouth open.
• Avoid air travel for atleast a month.
• You may start work or school within a week after surgery if you have a sedentary lifestyle. If you exercise, you will need to wait for 4 weeks or till you receive clearance from your doctor.

Report to your doctor if you notice the following :

• Heavy bleeding that does not stop despite light pressure with a dressing over the area.
• Yellow-green, foul smelling ear discharge with pain, swelling or redness around the operated site.
• Sudden decrease in hearing.
• Facial weakness (paralysis) or sudden facial numbness.
• Respiratory infection, severe cold or fever over 100 deg F.
• Severe nausea, giddiness or vomiting.

Please clarify with your doctor in case of doubts.