Question
What are the dangers of tympanic membrane retraction?
Answer
The cause of tympanic membrane retraction is due to an imbalance in air pressure between the inside and outside of the eardrum. As long as hearing is generally normal, mild tympanic membrane retraction is not a problem. However, if someone has a blocked or narrowed eustachian tube, preventing the middle ear from maintaining balance with external air pressure, not only will there be tympanic membrane retraction, but also a decrease in hearing, accompanied by tinnitus and ear fullness. This is considered a pathological condition, medically known as chronic non-suppurative otitis media.