Ear Canal Surgery (Canalplasty) Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for ear canal surgery (canalplasty): what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Ear Protection
- •Keep ear completely dry until cleared by your surgeon
- •Avoid flying for 2-4 weeks (pressure changes)
- •Report any sudden hearing loss
Ear Canal Surgery (Canalplasty) recovery, day by day
Immediate Aftercare
- Keep the ear dry; cotton ball with petroleum jelly for showering
- Take pain medication before numbness or anesthesia fully wears off
- Keep head elevated at 30-45 degrees (2-3 pillows) to reduce swelling
- Do NOT blow your nose forcefully; open your mouth if you need to sneeze
Activity & Diet
- Soft foods as tolerated
- Avoid strenuous activity
- No heavy lifting (>10 lbs) for 2 weeks
- Stay well hydrated
Recovery Expectations
- Mild dizziness or imbalance may occur for several days
- Do NOT put anything in the ear canal (no Q-tips, earbuds, or drops unless prescribed)
- Take all medications on schedule, not just when pain is severe
- Ice packs on the outside can help with swelling
Wound Care
- Keep ear bandage clean and dry; change outer dressing as directed
- Do not swim, submerge in water, or use hot tubs
- Avoid straining and heavy lifting
Continued Healing
- Hearing may fluctuate as the ear heals; this is normal
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Protect the ear from loud noise and water until cleared
- Resume normal diet and activity as comfort allows
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C) that doesn't respond to medication
- •Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure
- •Severe pain not managed by prescribed medication
- •Signs of allergic reaction: hives, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing
- •Chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat
- •Redness, warmth, or pus at the incision site (signs of infection)
- •Sudden increase in swelling or pain after initial improvement
- •Numbness or tingling that worsens
- •Sudden complete hearing loss or severe vertigo with vomiting
- •High fever above 101.5°F
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Peak discomfort
Swelling and discomfort peak then improve
- Day 14
Follow-up visit
Post-op check with your ENT surgeon
- Day 10
Hearing assessment
Hearing test to evaluate outcome
- Day 14
Expected recovery
Complete healing verified at follow-up
For clinics
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