What is Tympanometry?

Tympanometry is a diagnostic test that measures the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure. It is a non-invasive and painless test that is used to evaluate the middle ear and diagnose various ear disorders.

Today we’re exploring what tympanometry is, how it works, and why it is used.

What is Tympanometry?

Tympanometry is a test that measures the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure. It is used to evaluate the middle ear and diagnose various ear disorders, such as otitis media (middle ear infection), eustachian tube dysfunction, and conductive hearing loss.

How does Tympanometry work?

Tympanometry works by measuring the compliance (or movement) of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure. During the test, a small probe is inserted into the ear canal, and a controlled amount of air pressure is applied to the ear. The probe contains a tiny speaker that emits a pure-tone sound and a microphone that measures the sound that is reflected back from the eardrum.

As the air pressure in the ear canal is varied, the eardrum will move in response. The microphone in the probe measures the amount of sound that is reflected back from the eardrum, which is used to calculate the compliance of the eardrum. The compliance is a measure of how easily the eardrum moves in response to changes in air pressure.

Why is Tympanometry Used?

Tympanometry is used to evaluate the middle ear and diagnose various ear disorders. It is a non-invasive and painless test that can be performed in a doctor’s office or audiology clinic.

Otitis media is a common ear infection that occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear. Tympanometry can be used to diagnose otitis media by measuring the compliance of the eardrum. In a normal ear, the eardrum should move easily in response to changes in air pressure. However, in an ear with otitis media, the eardrum will be less compliant, indicating the presence of fluid in the middle ear.

Eustachian tube dysfunction is a condition where the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, becomes blocked or doesn’t function properly. Tympanometry can be used to diagnose eustachian tube dysfunction by measuring the compliance of the eardrum. In a normal ear, the eardrum should move easily in response to changes in air pressure. However, in an ear with eustachian tube dysfunction, the eardrum will be less compliant, indicating that the eustachian tube is blocked.

Conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs when sound is not transmitted properly through the middle ear to the inner ear. Tympanometry can be used to diagnose conductive hearing loss by measuring the compliance of the eardrum. In a normal ear, the eardrum should move easily in response to changes in air pressure. However, in an ear with conductive hearing loss, the eardrum will be less compliant, indicating that sound is not being transmitted properly through the middle ear.

In conclusion, tympanometry is a non-invasive and painless test that is used to evaluate the middle ear and diagnose various ear disorders. It works by measuring the compliance of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure.

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