Ear Surgery Do not blow your nose for about 6 weeks. This pressure can move the graft and result in another hole in your eardrum. If you need to cough or sneeze, do not try to suppress it. Open your mouth so no air will be forced into your ears. Do not try to “pop” your ears for about six weeks. Do not allow water to get into your ear. Drainage which will be brown or bloody is expected. The packing will gradually dissolve and drain from the ear for about three weeks. Keep clean cotton in the outside part of the ear to collect the drainage. Change it when needed. Notify the office if drainage develops a bad odor. Do not clean out the ear canal. You may clean the external ear and behind it with alcohol. Swelling and packing will cause the hearing to be poor for up to six weeks. A full sensation with popping sounds may be noticed. Do not strain or do heavy lifting for two weeks. Do not fly for three weeks. Plan to miss work or school for about a week. Rest and avoid excessive activity. A mild degree of dizziness with occasional nausea may be expected for several days. Make appointments for suture removal at one week, exam at three weeks, and audiogram at six weeks after surgery. Notify the office of excessive pain, drainage or fever over 101° F.