A tympanometry test is a quick and simple procedure that assesses the functionality of your middle ear. It measures how well your eardrum (tympanic membrane) moves in response to changes in air pressure. This helps diagnose various hearing problems.
How Tympanometry Works
The test involves placing a small, soft probe—similar to an earphone—in your ear canal. This probe delivers varying amounts of air pressure and measures the eardrum's movement in response. The results are displayed graphically as a tympanogram. This graph shows the eardrum's compliance (how easily it moves) at different air pressures.
What Tympanometry Detects
Tympanometry primarily helps identify middle ear problems, including:
- Fluid in the middle ear: This is a common finding in ear infections (otitis media).
- Eardrum perforation (hole): A tear or rupture in the eardrum.
- Middle ear inflammation: Such as otitis media with effusion.
- Problems with the ossicles: The tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: Issues with the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat.
Tympanometry does not test hearing sensitivity or your hearing threshold; it focuses solely on the middle ear's mechanics. It's often used in conjunction with other hearing tests, such as audiometry, for a complete evaluation.
Interpreting the Results
A normal tympanogram (Type A) indicates healthy middle ear function. Other types, such as Type B (suggestive of fluid), Type C (suggestive of eustachian tube dysfunction), and Type Ad (suggestive of ossicular discontinuity), indicate potential problems requiring further investigation. An audiologist or ENT specialist will interpret the results and advise on any necessary treatment.
The information above is based on various sources, including Cleveland Clinic, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Healthy Hearing and others.
