A prosthesis has a tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending through the tubular body and open at each of the proximal end and the distal end. The tubular body defines a longitudinal axis and has a first width in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The prosthesis also includes a first flange at one of the proximal end and the distal end with the lumen extending through the first flange. The first flange has a second width in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is greater than the first width. The tubular body and the first flange form a structurally self-supporting, body compatible, and body absorbable device. The device is formed of a composite structure and is adapted for insertion into an opening through a tympanic membrane.
