The end stage of middle ear effusion (accumulation of fluid) that leads to EUSTACHIAN TUBE dysfunction. The eardrum becomes thinner and retracts toward the inner wall of the middle ear. In time, the drum may contact the incus and stapes (small middle ear bones) and even drape over them or touch the inner wall of the middle ear. Early on, this process can be reversed by placement of a drainage tube. In time, the drum may become scarred at the areas of contact, and the volume of air or fluid in the middle ear will shrink—some-times down to nothing. The middle ear bones may erode, and sometimes tissue with a grainy texture (granulation tissue) grows from poorly covered bone. The ear may drain, and the tissue growth may resemble a tumor.