first medical school faliure

After a few weeks of trying to convince myself that I didn't need to go to the student health clinic for the second time this semester, telling myself that there was really nothing wrong with me, and making myself sure that going to the doctor would be a big waste of time, I gave in and went today.

HPI (History of Present Illness): "My ears have been plugged for weeks." Every once in a while I get a sharp pain that lasts for a few seconds. I also feel like my right middle ear is draining into my outer ear.

Since I can't actually look in my own ear, I had to have a doctor do it for me. Upon further review, both of my tympanic membranes look intact and normal. A tympanogram was ordered. This is a test that tests the reactiveness of the tympanic membrane - the good ol' eardrum. A normal result is a nice bell curve with the peak at 1ATM. I FAILED!!! Both of my ears were flatline. That means that my middle ears are full of fluid. I get to try and pop them myself by plugging my nose and mouth and blowing. I also get to take clairtin. I am in no danger now, but the doctor told me that if this goes on for too long, it could lead to some hearing damage. I took a nap when I got home from school and now I am going to get my butt to work.