This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Audiometry (impedance)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Tympanometry:

  • the tympanometer (handheld or desktop)
    • is a useful, affordable diagnostic tool in general practice (1)
    • is a device that provides quantitative information on the function of structures and the presence of fluid in the middle ear
  • the tympanogram is the graphic display of this data (1)
  • this provides useful quantitative information about the following (1):
    • presence of fluid in the middle ear
    • mobility of the middle ear system
    • ear canal volume
  • its uses include
    • the evaluation of otitis media with effusion and to a lesser extent in acute otitis media (1)
    • to assess middle ear compliance or to assess nerve deafness in children
    • it provides a convenient method for screening children for glue ear.
  • it is based upon two principles:
    • when sound energy passes down the ear canal, some will be absorbed by the eardrum and some will be reflected back
    • the proportion of the sound reflected will increase as the pressure in the middle ear falls and the ear drum is stiffened
  • a tympanogram is constructed by altering the pressure in the external auditory meatus and at each setting, passing sound to the ear and measuring the sound energy reflected. A three channel tympanometer is used - with separate channels for each function.
  • a pneumatic otoscopic examination of the tympanic membrane should be done prior to tympanometry (1)

Reference:


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.