atelectasis of middle ear

at·e·lec·ta·sis of mid·dle ear

(at-ĕ-lek'tă-sis mid'ĕl ēr) Reduction in the volume of the middle ear because of obstruction of the pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube followed by absorption of the oxygen in the middle ear and subsequent retraction of the tympanic membrane medially.