ENT conditions (Mr Gaurav Kumar)

  Retracted Eardrum in Children: Ear Infections, Glue Ear and Hearing Concerns Explained Parents are sometimes told after an ear examination that their child has a retracted eardrum . This can sound worrying, especially if the child has had repeated ear infections, glue ear, blocked ears, hearing problems or speech concerns. A retracted eardrum means the eardrum is being pulled inwards towards the middle ear space. It is not the same as a burst eardrum, and it does not always indicate an active infection. However, it can be a sign that the middle ear is not ventilating normally. In children, this is often linked to the Eustachian tube — the small tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. When this tube does not open and equalise pressure well, negative pressure can build up behind the eardrum. Over time, this may pull the eardrum inwards. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon, assesses children with ear infections, glue ear, hearing concerns and paediatric ENT ...