---
title: "What is a Retracted Eardrum? | Sutter Health"
description: "Our doctor told my husband that he has a retracting eardrum. What does this mean?"
url: "/ask-an-expert/answers/what-is-a-retracted-eardrum-1051061283"
---

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2.  What is a Retracted Eardrum?

# 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.

## Explore related topics

Ear, nose and throatEars

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