Most patients will leave the hospital on the same day or the day after surgery.  If a canal-wall-down operation was performed, packing is left in the cavity for 5 days and removed in the office.  Antibiotic ointment should be placed three times a day on the incision behind the ear for 7 to 10 days.  Stitches are removed in 7 to 10 days.  Afterwards the ear cavity is irrigated with a solution of vinegar and water (1 to 5 dilution) four times a day for a month and once to twice a day after this.  The solution should be warmed to body temperature or dizziness will result when the ear is irrigated.  I usually suggest wearing a head band to hold the external ear by the head, helping it to heal in the proper position.  A hearing test is usually obtained 3 to 6 weeks after the surgery.

As with most surgeries, no heavy activity is allowed for at least 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. 

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