A tympanogram is a graph that visually represents how your eardrum moves in response to changes in air pressure. This graph is created by a device called a tympanometer during a test called tympanometry.
Understanding Tympanometry and the Tympanogram
During tympanometry, a small probe is placed in your ear canal. The probe has a speaker that produces a sound and a microphone that measures how well the sound is reflected back from your eardrum.
- The air pressure in your ear canal is gradually changed by the probe.
- As the air pressure varies, the movement of your eardrum is recorded by the microphone.
- The tympanogram then graphs the eardrum's movement versus the change in air pressure. According to the reference, the tympanogram shows how your eardrum moved.
Key Features of a Tympanogram
The tympanogram typically displays:
- Horizontal Axis: This represents air pressure within the ear canal, measured in daPa (decapascals).
- Vertical Axis: This shows the compliance of the eardrum or how easily it moves, measured in milliliters (ml).
Interpreting a Tympanogram
The shape of the tympanogram can provide valuable information about the condition of your middle ear. Common types include:
- Type A: This shows a normal peak indicating normal eardrum movement and middle ear pressure.
- Type B: A flat line typically suggests fluid in the middle ear or a perforation of the eardrum.
- Type C: A shifted peak to the negative pressure side usually means a retracted eardrum, often associated with eustachian tube dysfunction.
Why is Tympanometry Useful?
Tympanometry and the resulting tympanogram are essential diagnostic tools for:
- Identifying middle ear issues, such as fluid build-up, infections, or eardrum perforations.
- Assessing eustachian tube function.
- Helping diagnose hearing problems, especially in young children.
In summary, a tympanogram is a visual representation of your eardrum's movement, which helps healthcare professionals identify and monitor ear-related problems.
