What is the main purpose of tympanoplasty?

The primary purpose of tympanoplasty is to improve hearing. This surgical procedure is specifically designed to repair a perforated or damaged eardrum (tympanic membrane) and often includes the reconstruction of the middle ear's structure. When the eardrum is compromised, sound transmission can be impaired, leading to hearing loss. By successfully repairing the eardrum, tympanoplasty allows for the restoration of better sound conduction, enhancing overall auditory function.

Although tympanoplasty may have other benefits, such as potentially reducing occurrences of ear infections due to improved ear structure, its main objective remains the enhancement of hearing abilities. This focus on auditory improvement is consistent with the transformation and restoration of the ear's anatomy, which is critical to its function in hearing.