What is a Retracted Eardrum?
Medically Reviewed by
- Wendy Schreuder, M.S.
Question
Our doctor told my husband that he has a retracting eardrum. What does this mean?
Answer
Retracted eardrums are usually an indication that there is negative pressure (a vacuum) behind the eardrums in the middle part of the ear.
Some of the symptoms can be: a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears (similar to changes in cabin pressure while flying in airplanes or going up in elevation); occasional discomfort or pain in the ear; and a feeling of decreased hearing that may get better or worse at times.
Sometimes these symptoms will clear on their own given time, and if they continue for some time, I recommend discussing this again with your physician.