A perforated eardrum or hole in the eardrum can be caused by ear infections, trauma, or a ventilating tube. A persistent perforation can cause recurrent infections and drainage from the ear, hearing loss, and can lead to the destruction of the small bones of hearing, and the formation of cholesteatoma. A long standing perforation of the eardrum is frequently associated with destruction of the small bones of hearing. The multi-layer sandwich graft tympanoplasty technique developed by Dr. Jay Farrior is one of the most successful procedures reported for reconstruction of the eardrum, restoring middle ear function and hearing. It is frequently successful, even after other procedures have failed. By using the patients own bone to restore hearing, only one operation is needed to both rebuild the eardrum and sound transmitting mechanism.

Cholesteatoma is caused by chronic and recurrent ear infections and poor eustachian tube function. The skin of the eardrum is trapped in the middle ear and grows into the mastoid. In some patients, children, it is the result of skin cells being trapped in the ear, while the ear is being formed. If not treated cholesteatoma can destroy the small hearing bones, erode into the inner ear causing complete hearing loss, vertigo, or severe infections such as meningitis. Complete removal of all cholesteatoma is required, to insure that it will not reoccur. The particular surgical approach required for the removal of the cholesteatoma, is determined by a number of factors: the extent of disease, hearing, balance, and eustachian tube function are all considered. Using meticulous microsurgery, the cholesteatoma can be completely removed and the eardrum along with the bones of hearing reconstructed in a single operation, in most cases.

Tumors of the Ear

Acoustic neuroma (schwannoma) is the most common tumor affecting the ear hearing and balance. They most commonly present with hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and dizziness. These tumors develop along the hearing and balance nerve, between the ear and brain. While they usually are slow growing, some can grow rapidly and my compress the brain if not surgically removed. A number of factors must be considered when determining a plan of treatment for an acoustic neuroma. Dr. Farrior has one of the largest experiences in Florida in the treatment for acoustic neuromas and can help you decide which treatment is best for your or your family member.

Glomus tumors are vascular (blood vessel) tumors that arise in the ear and on the jugular vein. Glomus tumors often cause fullness, hearing loss and pulsating sound in the ear which may be mistaken for an ear infection.

Dr. Farrior has developed two surgical approaches for the removal of glomus tumors that preserve hearing and the function of the nerves responsible for facial movement, swallowing and other vital functions.

Cancer of the ear is usually caused by skin cancer developing in or around the ear canal or outer ear. Cancer of the ear may be confused with a chronic or recurrent infection of the ear canal. Occasionally cancer from other areas of the body may spread to the ear. Depending on the type of cancer, treatment may require both surgery and radiation therapy to cure or control the cancer.