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  • What is a Retracted Eardrum?
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What is a Retracted Eardrum?

Ask the Expert Team

Ask the Expert Team

Sutter Health

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.

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