A retracted eardrum usually doesnt cause any symptoms. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. We may also prescribe a spray to be used in the days or weeks before an upcoming flight especially in cases where there are significant allergy or chronic infections. However, flying with a ruptured eardrum is common, and it does not necessarily mean that you cannot fly. Tympanoplasty in Children - Ear Drum Repair. - The Healthy Apron. This usually happens after a sudden blow to the head. ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive = 'true'; container.style.width = '100%'; The Healthy Apron is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Treatment* Select your treatmentPilesAnal FistulaFissurePilonidal SinusHernia SurgeryGallstones SurgeryCarpal Tunnel SyndromeACL-TearKnee ReplacementHip ReplacementSpine SurgeryShoulder Tendon RepairShoulder Labrum Tear SurgeryShoulder DislocationCataract SurgeryLasik SurgeryHysterectomyHysteroscopyEardrum surgeryDeviated Nasal SeptumAdenoidectomyFESS / SinusTonsillectomy / TonsilKidney StonesProstate EnlargementMale InfertilityVaricoceleLaser CircumcisionZSR CircumcisionVaricose VeinsDiabetic Foot UlcerDeep Vein ThrombosisAV Fistula for DialysisHair TransplantGynecomastiaLiposuction SurgeryBreast SurgeryFace LiftLipomaTummy TuckScar RemovalBreast LiftBreast LumpBreast ReductionBreast AugmentationAxillary BreastThyroidectomy. Some symptoms are- Pain inside the ear Fluid coming out of the ear Difficulty in hearing on a temporary basis How serious is retracted eardrum? It can be temporary, causing symptoms such as hearing loss, and complications can develop if the cause isn't treated. There are several methods to try to equalize inner ear pressure as an alternative to surgery. I have moderate hearing loss in both ears. DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2006.09.002. However, flying with a ruptured eardrum is common, and it does not necessarily mean that you cannot fly. Follow your specialists treatment recommendations precisely. (2014). var container = document.getElementById(slotId); Once the doctor determines that no permanent damage has occurred, he or she will recommend treatment options. Danner CJ. Your inner ear contains tiny bones called ossicles. A retracted eardrum occurs when the eardrum is pulled backward more than normal. How long does it take to heal a retracted eardrum? This is because it does not remove scar tissue or rebuild other aspects of the eardrum, meaning it may be better suited for a smaller eardrum perforation. Overview Airplane ear (ear barotrauma) is the stress on your eardrum that occurs when the air pressure in your middle ear and the air pressure in the environment are out of balance. This happens due to an Eustachian tube dysfunction. When fluid in the ears does not resolve on its own or causes severe symptoms or delays in a child's development, the surgical placement of temporary ventilation tubes (also called ear tubes) may be necessary. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. When possible, stay away from loud machinery. A retracted eardrum is deemed to occur when there is negative pressure in the middle ear. Preparing for Surgery: Checklist. Flying with Eustachian tube dysfunction carries the risk of middle ear damage, and in rarer cases severe inner ear damage. If treatment is needed, it may include nasal steroids, oral antibiotics, the placement of a temporary ventilation tube in the eardrum, or the surgical removal of enlarged tonsils or adenoids. When ambient pressure changes so that the relative pressure in the middle ear is too high or too low, the. All rights reserved. If you're a parent with a child who is having a tympanoplasty, you'll want to prepare them in a way that's developmentally appropriate for their age. Sutter Health is a registered In fact, some people who fly regularly complain about having trouble understanding speech. (6)emedicinehealth.com/hearing_loss/article_em.htm Your tympanoplasty will be completed inside a hospital setting, since general anesthesia is ofteen required. If you'll need to stay at the hospital after your tympanoplasty, pack lightly and leave valuables at home. For example, you could develop hearing loss. You can go home the same day unless anesthesia requires a more extended hospital stay. Yes, it is safe to fly with a perforated (burst) eardrum. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One can always use approved medicine such as antibiotics for the ear, ear drops, and painkillers just to name a few. Either or both can become retracted, which can affect the severity of symptoms. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. These typically improve when the underlying cause is treated. There are many risks involved in flying. (2006). Your surgeon will provide more specific instructions if make-up, deodorant, nail polish, or other items are prohibited on your surgery day. Your Ear Health practitioner, general practitioner or otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) can complete a visual exam to determine if you have a ruptured eardrum. Fever Fever is another symptom associated with a ruptured eardrum, especially if the injury was sustained in a car accident. var alS = 2021 % 1000; Zip or button-up tops will help you avoid brushing against your ear as it heals. Intranasal Steroid Sprays. One of the most-effective treatment for retracted eardrum is tympanoplasty. When you rupture your eardrum, you lose your ability to protect yourself against infections. If the eardrum is retracted but "safe" (meaning that there is no buildup of skin or suspicion of cholesteatoma) and the hearing is fairly good, the ear could probably be observed. Ear barotrauma occurs when theres a difference in pressure between the inner and outer ear. The same holds true for our hearing. This is because of the pressure of the middle ears space is very low. However, delaying the treatment is not a prudent decision. Have you ever wondered how are you able to hear? Causes include infections of the middle ear or sinuses, allergies, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, or a prior ruptured eardrum. A perforated eardrum can be caused by ear infection, very loud noise in close proximity, rapid change in pressure, injury, and foreign objects. Healthline reports that this test can be very useful to measure how the middle ear responds to changes in air pressure. (2009). 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. During this period, hearing will begin taking place as the packing material fully dissolves over time. Hence it should be addressed properly. When sound waves strike your eardrum, the eardrum vibrates. Along with other tests, it may help diagnose a middle ear, A clogged or stuffy ear can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to hear. It can be all too easy to take good hearing for granted. Otherwise, youll create pressure in your ears. You can use home remedies to ease the pain as well. (12)webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/tympanocentesis-for-ear-infections Flying causes them less discomfort than other activities because the air pressure in their ears balances out better. If an ear infection caused your eardrum perforation, surgery could also help. By Posted 1250 wssp on demand The eardrum comprises two parts: the pars tensa, which is the main part of the eardrum, and the pars flaccida, which is a smaller part of the eardrum located above the pars tensa.Either or both of these parts may become retracted. (Health Technology Assessment, No. If you are asking these questions below, then the same rules apply. The Eustachian tube can get blocked due to upper respiratory infections, inflamed sinuses or allergies. Sometimes you may even be discharged and allowed to go home the same day as the surgery. You can reduce your chances of experiencing a ruptured eardrum by taking precautions before going to bed. A retracted eardrum is mostly caused due to infections. 18.46.) Do your best to keep incisions dry as they heal. A tympanoplasty is the surgical repair of a hole in the eardrum, which is known as a perforated eardrum. What does this mean? If you're not a good candidate for general anesthesia, other options will need to be explored to ensure your safety. It can cause some symptoms when the retracted eardrum puts pressure on other structures within the ear. (Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment), 5 Teeth Whitening Remedies To Try at Home, 5 Types of Cosmetic Dentistry To Restore Your Smile, Mental Health Disorders What You Need to Know, Call Your Doctor Immediately if You Notice These Symptoms. A loud noise that occurs close to the ear could also cause a burst eardrum. Danner CJ. Outer ear. This video has been medically reviewed by Chris Vincent, MD. About 66% of the patients with ruptured eardrums hurt themselves by sticking instruments into their ears. If youre in pain, they may recommend over-the-counter medication for relief. Does Cold Air Aggravate Asthma? He is an adjunct assistant professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center and NYU Medical Center. Keep on reading to find out if you can fly with a ruptured eardrum. This condition is most common for children, but adults are not exempted as well. A blocked Eustachian tube is the principal reason for the retracted eardrums. The tympanic membrane is a thin tissue that divides your middle ear. Our eardrum, also known as tympanic membrane, is a very sensitive part of our ear. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; Tympanoplasty is often done in children, but adults may in some cases require the procedure as well. There are three parts of the ear that work together to help you hear- the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Nearly half of these cases involved a cotton-tipped ear swab. Acute otitis media: Part I. These blank areas may accumulate dust and unwanted particles which can lead to an even more severe condition such as a chronic infection, even tumors. Nankivell PD, et al. When you visit the clinic with an earache or drainage, the doctor starts the diagnosis by asking questions about the symptoms and confirms the presence of any infection. However, they wont be loud enough for you to understand whats going on around you. Tests can include: You might develop an ear infection, which could cause the eardrum to rupture. Earnings disclaimer: When you buy certain products from some of the sites which we link to, The Healthy Apron receives a commission. (2009). Because the entire ear mechanism is so small, fragile, complex and delicate, it actually doesnt take much to disturb the system. Pichichero ME. Answer: Retracted eardrums are usually an indication that there is negative pressure (a vacuum) behind the eardrums in the middle part of the ear. This would be apparent on inspection of the . The eardrum is the thin membrane that separates your middle ear from your outer ear. 9 Signs You Might Have a Burst or Perforated Eardrum, Mucus-like, pus-filled, or bloody drainage from your ear. Most often than not, Infections are the primary cause for it. Making an effort to be as healthy as you can before surgery will give you the best chances of a speedy recovery. Unless there are complications, you should be released to go home after spending one night of observation in the hospital following your procedure. They simply think their ears are broken. If it's not treated, the negative pressure inside the middle ear can lead to other problems including: All of these conditions can lead to varying degrees of permanent hearing loss. You might experience ringing in your ears (called tinnitus) for hours or days afterwards. Often the use of sugar free chewing gum can help. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (3)healthylifemed.com/retracted-eardrum/ A persons hygiene and the environment that one is in is also one of the reasons why we face unhealthy conditions. As an ENT and pilot I feel I can answer this fairly well. However, because tympanoplasty is done on such a small area, complications are relatively rare. The treatment depends on the underlying cause due to which the eardrum retracted. Followed by this, the ENT doctor uses an otoscope to look inside the ear. Due to some particular activities, this eardrum can be pushed back inside the ear, which is known as the retracted eardrum. Watch on. DOI: 10.4103/0970-0358.57198, entnet.org/content/conductive-hearing-loss-causes-and-treatments, journals.lww.com/otology-neurotology/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2001&issue=05000&article=00004&type=abstract, Cholesteatoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP, Relapsing Polychondritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and More, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Is It Good To Drink Water Before Sleeping? (Everything You Need To Know), What Is A Bronchitis Cough Like (What To Expect), Is Fresh Air Beneficial for Asthma? Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that occurs when viruses or bacteria cause fluid build-up. So, if youre concerned about how your hearing will affect your flying experience, talk to your physician first. Sometimes the doctor recommends nasal decongestants to normalize the nasal pressure. If you do get injured while traveling, contact your nearest airports emergency services department. Ear infections, accidental injury, or the placement of ear tubes can cause a perforated eardrum. Cookie Preferences. An ER doctor gave me antibiotics which didn't help. My 10-year-old daughter is having trouble with comprehension and focus in school. Southampton (UK): NIHR Journals Library; 2014 Jul. Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children. You might be surprised to learn that you can live a normal life despite having a ruptured eardrum. Your healthcare provider will choose either a total or partial ossicular replacement prosthesis. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Opening and closing of a persons mouth are also proved to be effective. (2000). The following are simple manoeuvres that in a vast majority of cases prevent problems when flying. The Eustachian tube provides a connection from the back of the nose to the ear and allows equalisation of pressure changes. Retracted ear drum, 18 months pain This forum is for topics not related to aviation. You can still hear sounds if your eardrums have been damaged. Theyll help you file a report and provide assistance until you arrive at your destination. var cid = '2167042925'; The risk of complications is also directly related to the degree of eardrum retraction. You should avoid flying if you have blocked ears or cold or flu-like symptoms. Hearing loss affects over 360 million Americans. This means that you can suffer from temporary hearing loss. However, if it retracts enough to press on the bones or other structures within your ear, it can cause: earache fluid draining from the. A common brand is Ear Planes, available both for adults and children. Next, theyll use a device called an otoscope to look at the inside of your ear. If there is significant conductive hearing loss or there is an unsafe condition, then surgery may be necessary. Sometimes, your eardrum gets pushed inward toward your middle ear. Blocked eustachian tubes. Negative pressure occurs when the eustachian tube, which runs between the middle ear and the upper throat, is not working well. Do you think that her hearing should be tested? Keep reading to learn more about what happens when you have a perforated eardrum. Which are best to help me hear normal conversations. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Other potential risks from tympanoplasty include: If the incision is bleeding, oozing, or swelling, call the healthcare provider. Prisma Health. At the ears outermost tip is the pinna, which is the curved exterior shell that helps to reflect, hold and transmit sound down through the ear tube, or auditory canal, into the innermost portions of the ear. A retracted eardrum can cause ear pain, temporary hearing loss, and drainage of fluid from the ears. Voc est aqui: Incio. The eardrum is a thin layer of tissue that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. } A BAHA uses magnets to hold two titanium screws in place on either side of your skull. This change in the shape of the eardrum is visible with a simple ear exam. Swelling Your face and neck may swell as blood rushes to the area. Tympanometry is a test that measures the movement of your eardrum, or tympanic membrane. We have to remember that in more severe cases, a professionals intervention may be necessary. This rare inflammatory disease causes the breakdown of cartilage in parts of your body, including your ears, nose, and joints. Precautions for Flying (Flying with a blocked ear) Flying with Eustachian tube dysfunction carries the risk of middle ear damage, and in rarer cases severe inner ear damage. Yes, due to retracted eardrum there can be an excessive fluid build-up. Tuning fork evaluation reveals hearing loss due to damage in the middle ear, sensors or nerves of the inner ear, or both. Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs. Make sure you avoid activities such as driving while intoxicated or using drugs. Inner ear. UMPC Children's Hospital of Pittsburg. In most cases, there are no symptoms of a retracted eardrum. Make sure to keep your ears free of foreign objects. He is an adjunct assistant professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center and NYU Medical Center. But there are times that we encounter unforeseeable circumstances and neglect our ears. For example, if enlarged adenoids or tonsils are preventing the auditory tube from draining, they may be removed. If the symptoms of the retracted eardrum are not severe, it is safe to fly. Your email address will not be published. Gently popping the ears by blowing out through a blocked nose, or puffing out the cheeks. They flushed the ear and my hearing came back, but the vertigo is still present and seems to be getting worse. Hearing loss affects over 360 million Americans. Canali I. An infection in the upper respiratory system. There are three parts of the ear that work together to help you hear- the, Sudden change in air pressure such as flying or scuba diving, Abnormal growth of skin growth in the ear, also known as, When you visit the clinic with an earache or drainage, the doctor starts the diagnosis by asking questions about the symptoms and confirms the presence of any infection. For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care. There are two major types of hearing loss, conductive and sensorineural. A ruptured eardrum that never healed the right way. However, people with ruptured ear drums may be concerned about flying, partly due to the pressure in the air as well as the height. Doctors Advice on: Will A Retracted Eardrum Fix Itself? Talk to your pediatrician for advice on how to discuss surgery with your child. (Is It Healthy? It takes an average of two hours to complete a tympanoplasty procedure. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Anesthesia risks are higher for patients who have: As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding and infection after tympanoplasty. Organs in your inner ear called the saccule and utricle contain tiny calcium carbonate stones that help your body sense acceleration. John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. However, as DiseasesList explains, because this condition be caused by inner ear infections and fluid build-up, it tends to be more common in children than in adults.(5). It even wakes me up at night. You'll be given a hospital gown to wear during your procedure. A doctor may take a watch-and-wait approach for a retracted eardrum or proceed directly to treatments like oral antibiotics, nasal steroids, placement of a temporary ear tubes, or surgical removal of enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Headache You may also suffer from headaches due to the pressure exerted on your brain. Our customers say Excellent You might also miss out on important information like traffic alerts or warnings about dangerous situations. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The next time you plan on flying, protect your ears. Retracted Ear Drum Overview and Treatment. Never delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this site! Tympanometry. Eating well, sleeping enough, and getting a handle on chronic conditions (like diabetes and high blood pressure) will prepare your body to withstand anesthesia and the stress of your operation. In addition, you may need to wear a hearing aid. DOI: Pars tensa and pars flaccida retractions in persistent otitis media with effusion. Our Hearing is one of the most significant sensory capability rewarded to us humans. What Are The Symptoms Of A Ruptured Ear Drums? (11) The slower the sound waves travel, the more likely it is that some part of the inner ear mechanism is disturbed. Ear barotrauma, also known as airplane ear, is a condition that causes ear discomfort when you experience pressure changes, such as altitude change. This so-called "vacuum impact" can cause the entire eardrum or only parts of the eardrum to appear retracted. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, the retracted eardrum can heal within a week. The usual first step for treating a retracted eardrum is placement of an "ear tube". Johns Hopkins Medicine: Johns Hopkins Children's Center. Retracted eardrums are usually an indication that there is negative pressure (a vacuum) behind the eardrums in the middle part of the ear. A retracted eardrum can sometimes resolve on its own. Developing a middle ear cyst is a potential complication as well. It's best to wear clothing that's loose, comfortable, and easy to remove. This vacuum effect can cause the entire eardrum or parts of the eardrum to appear retracted. However, the treatment of retracted eardrum should be done with proper consultation with the E.N.T doctor. However, if the diagnosis is something like cholesteatoma, an overgrowth of skin that is impacting eardrum function and may lead to permanent hearing loss, surgery is more likely to be prescribed. A retracted eardrum, or middle ear atelectasis according to VeryWell, sounds scarier than it is. This will allow them to see if your eardrum is pushed inward. Tympanoplasty is an invasive procedure, so it's imperative to let your healthcare provider know about any medications or supplements you're taking, as well as even accidental last-minute snacks or drinks, that may interfere with your safety during the operation. If you're anxious about your upcoming tympanoplasty, knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves. As Dr. Pauls Child Health & Wellness Information Site reports, other commonly reported patient symptoms that can indicate a retracted eardrum include these:(7). When an ear infection develops, the buildup of fluid can force pressure against the eardrum and cause it to rupture. Privacy Policy Copyright 2018 Dr Sean Flanagan and Sydney Ear Nose & Throat Clinic. For example, if someone says hello to you, you may not be able to tell them apart from background noise. Most people have a good. What Are Ear Stones, Also Known as Otoconia? An eardrum rupture is a small hole or tear in your eardrum, or tympanic membrane. Possible symptoms include: Let your doctor know if you experience these symptoms. Some drainage is normal in the first three to five days after a tympanoplasty. container.appendChild(ins); This is described on a scale of 1 to 4, with level 1 being mild retraction and level 4 being an eardrum that is fully stuck in the auditory tube and middle ear. Eustachian tube dysfunction. Though its rare, a cyst could form in the middle ear. Pretreating the nose with saline sprays or rinses for a few days before a flight can help clear thickened mucous from the nose. Let your doctor know if you experience these signs and symptoms of a perforated eardrum. Use pressure-equalising earplugs, chew gum, or yawn to avoid pressure changes. A tear in this tissue is called: When your eardrum is ruptured, you can experience hearing loss. Our doctor told my husband that he has a retracting eardrum. There are a few ways you can protect yourself from an eardrum injury or burst eardrum. We'll tell you the possible causes. Your healthcare provider will schedule you for a follow-up visit about a week after the procedure to check for signs of infection and remove your stitches. Adults are generally advised to avoid all food and drink starting at midnight on the eve of surgery. The symptoms of a ruptured eardrum vary depending on whether the injury was sustained during a car accident or sports injury. (n.d.). Now if the retracted eardrum is caused by common infections like allergies or sinusitis, there are drug care that can be done. Pressure regulating ear plugs. Your healthcare provider will provide ear drops for use following surgery. For example, consider placing a warm, dry compress on your ear throughout the day. Children's Minnesota. However, more serious retractions lead to ear pain and hearing loss. Bring the items that you'll want to have for an overnight stay at the hospital (such as your toothbrush, a change of clothes, slip-on shoes, deodorant, and glasses if needed). 2017 Actforlibraries.org | All rights reserved To reduce swelling, elevate the head of your bed when you sleep. When only certain parts of the eardrum end up being retracted, they are in some cases described as retraction pockets.2. The screws transmit vibrations from the surrounding air into your skull, which then reach your inner ear. Inserting an object into your ear can rupture your eardrum. When flying, a popping sensation in the ears signifies a change in pressure. A chronic ear infection can be an ear infection that doesnt heal or a recurring ear infection. However, potentially serious complications can arise if the underlying cause isn't treated. All Rights Reserved. Flying has its own set of risks. On occasion, the entire tympanic membrane may become retracted The second relates to nerve or cochlea trauma. Other times, it can occur due to a medical condition, such as meningitis or otitis media. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjorl.2016.01.010. When the retracted eardrum is left untreated, there is a buildup of negative pressure inside the middle ear leads to other complications such as-. The auditory tube does this by remaining closed except at certain times, such as when we yawn or swallow. Please read our full disclaimer before using this site. Mild cases often improve as pressure in your ear returns to its usual level. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you're having a tympanoplasty, be sure to follow your surgeon's instructions to avoid any delays in your ability to have the operation as scheduled. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. If this happens, you may lose your sense of balance. ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; When air pressure changes, these bones move and create vibrations that travel along nerves to your brain. If you plan on attending an event where noise is an issue, protect your ears with earplugs. var lo = new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent); I went to ER again. The second relates to nerve or cochlea trauma. Adding more air to your middle ear can help to normalize pressure and fix the retraction. The eardrum gets retracted whenever a negative pressure builds up behind the eardrum. A retracted eardrum is a condition that can be triggered bya variety of underlying causes. One or both of these parts can be removed. Ear Ringing You may notice a ringing sensation in your ears. Treatment may include nasal decongestants or steroids to relieve congestion and inflammation or a course of oral antibiotics if there's a bacterial middle ear infection. The hearing is just one of our senses, but without it, we would not be able to function normally so take time in making sure that your ears are in the best condition. Sometimes, this can happen during sports activities. Retracted eardrums are caused by a problem with your Eustachian tubes. Long-term results and prognostic factors of underlay myringoplasty in pars tensa atelectasis in children, Interventions for adult eustachian tube dysfunction: a systematic review, Erosion of the small bones in the ear (specifically the. (13)surgeryencyclopedia.com/St-Wr/Tympanoplasty.html. ins.style.display = 'block'; Note any recent air travel, head, or ear injuries, too. Overview of Serous Otitis Media (Fluid in the Ears), Eardrum Conditions That Cause Redness Inside the Ear. Stucco Keratosis Why it Happens and What To Do About It? As Healthy LifeMed outlines, here are some of the most common conditions that can give rise to a retracted eardrum:(3), A middle ear infection. This helps to see the doctor if the eardrum is pushed inside or not. If your symptoms are not too severe or bothersome, your healthcare provider may wait and see if it goes away without treatment. These can all be achieved by effective preventive routines and self-awareness. A retracted eardrum, also called middle ear atelectasis, is an eardrum that is pulled deeper into the ear canal. When the tube is not functioning properly equalisation does not occur and a degree of discomfort felt. Signs that you may have a ruptured eardrum include ringing in the affected ear and nausea from vertigo..