A tympanoplasty involves the repair of which structure?

A tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure specifically designed to repair the tympanic membrane, commonly known as the eardrum. This procedure is primarily indicated for patients who have suffered from chronic ear infections, tympanic membrane perforations, or certain types of hearing loss that stem from damage to the eardrum.

During tympanoplasty, the surgeon may use various techniques to close the perforation or reconstruct the tympanic membrane to restore its integrity and improve hearing. By focusing on the tympanic membrane, this procedure aims to enhance sound conduction and prevent further complications associated with eardrum perforations, such as ongoing infections or hearing issues.

The other structures mentioned—cornea, spinal cord, and cochlea—are not related to tympanoplasty. The cornea is a part of the eye, the spinal cord is part of the central nervous system, and the cochlea is a component of the inner ear involved in hearing but is not repaired or addressed in tympanoplasty. Hence, the focus of tympanoplasty on the tympanic membrane makes it the correct answer.