DEAR DR. GOTT: First of all, thank you so much for your very informative columns. I cut some of them out and save them. I'm 77 years old and have a small perforated tympanic membrane and hearing loss in my left ear. My ENT doctor has recommended that I have a myringoplasty.

I have been researching this information and have discovered that the surgery should be performed only if I have three or more ear infections a year. Also, I read that the surgery may not be successful with persons over 65 years and may cause more complications.

I have about one or two infections a year.

Also, occasionally, I get quite a bit of wax built up in that ear and would like to use the hydrogen peroxide or the Murine kit you recommended. However, the instructions that came with the kit warned me against using it with a perforated tympanic membrane.

Approximately six months ago, my ENT doctor gave me Cipro for my ear infection. I noticed the information slip that came with the antibiotic advised me not to use it with a perforated tympanic membrane. He didn't seem too concerned when I brought that to his attention.

Now I'm really confused and would appreciate it very much if you could give me your opinion.

DEAR READER> Get the eardrum repaired. The surgery is usually successful and will enable you to hear better and avoid concerns about your ear. It sounds as though you are being weighed down with unnecessary information. Have the surgery and get it over with.

DEAR DR. GOTB> I have recently developed a condition that I have never seen referred to in any medical column, including yours, which I have read over the years. I am in my mid-70s, and, while I do not have erectile dysfunction, in recent months, when I get an erection, my penis hurts or aches to the point where my wife and I can't have intercourse. It seems to be bent downward, and straightening it is very painful.

I've had a PSA ranging from 1+ to 6+ over the last five or six years (it's 1.6 now) and have been taking Proscar for two years.

When I told my doctor about my current problem two or three months ago, he recommended vitamin E. I've been taking 800 IU per day for over two months with no improvement. Your comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

DEAR READ I suspect that you have Peyronie's disease, a painful condition associated with a crooked penis. You should see a urologist. Such a specialist should be able to help you, perhaps with minor surgery. The vitamin E was a good start but was ineffective. Now you need the services of an expert.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "The Prostate Gland." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.