A retracted eardrum is one that is pulled deeper into the middle ear than is normal.
Eardrum retraction, or middle earatelectasis,can be temporary and cause symptoms such as muffled hearing.
However, potentially serious complications can arise if the underlying cause isn’t treated.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
What Causes a Retracted Ear Drum?
Conditions that cause auditory (eustachian) tube dysfunction can lead to a retracted eardrum.
They do this by blocking the flow of air into the middle ear and creating negative pressure.
It does this by remaining closed except at certain times, such as when you yawn or swallow.
That’s not a problem if the tube remains clear.
Areas of partial retraction are sometimes referred to asretraction pockets.
If severe, the negative pressure can even suck fluid into the middle ear.
The risk of complications is also directly related to the degree of eardrum retraction.
A retracted eardrum can be diagnosed with a simple ear exam.
A healthcare provider will look inside your ear with a gadget called anotoscope.
The treatment used to correct a retracted eardrum depends on the root cause of your auditory tube dysfunction.
Summary
A retracted eardrum pops up if the eardrum is pulled backward into the middle ear.
A retracted eardrum can cause ear pain, temporary hearing loss, and drainage of fluid from the ear.
Treatment for the underlying cause isn’t always necessary.
But when it is, permanent hearing loss can occur if it’s not sought out.
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