Definition
Tympanometry is a test used to detect problems in the middle ear.
Alternative Names
Tympanogram; Otitis media - tympanometry; Effusion - tympanometry; Immittance testing
How the Test is Performed
Before the test, your health care provider will look inside your ear to make sure nothing is blocking the eardrum.
Next, a device is placed into your ear. This device changes the air pressure in your ear and makes the eardrum move back and forth. A machine records the results on graphs called tympanograms.
How to Prepare for the Test
You should not move, speak, or swallow during the test. Such movements can change the pressure in the middle ear and give incorrect test results.
The sounds heard during the test may be loud. This may be startling. You will need to try very hard to stay calm and not get startled during the test. If your child is to have this test done, it may be helpful to show how the test is done using a doll. The more your child knows what to expect and why the test is done, the less nervous your child will be.
How the Test will Feel
There may be some discomfort while the probe is in the ear, but no harm will result. You will hear a loud tone and feel pressure in your ear as the measurements are taken.
Why the Test is Performed
This test measures how your ear reacts to sound and different pressures.
Normal Results
The pressure inside the middle ear can vary by a very small amount. The eardrum should look smooth.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Tympanometry may reveal any of the following:
- A tumor in the middle ear
- Fluid in the middle ear
- Impacted ear wax
- Lack of contact between the conduction bones of the middle ear
- Perforated eardrum
- Scarring of the eardrum
Risks
There are no risks with this test.
References
Kerschner JE, Preciado D. Otitis media. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 658.
Woodson E, Mowry S. Otologic symptoms and syndromes. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 137.
FAQs
Tympanometry refers to a test that helps in the evaluation of the proper functioning of the middle ear. The middle ear is positioned behind the eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane. The test seeks to establish the condition and movement of the tympanic membrane as it responds to changes in pressure.
What does a tympanometry test for? ›
Tympanometry tests how well your middle ear works by measuring eardrum movement. Both tests can help a healthcare provider diagnose problems related to hearing loss. Tympanometry is a quick and easy test that shows how well your middle ear is working. It doesn't require any special preparation on your part.
What are normal tympanometry results? ›
Middle ear pressure values ranging from +50 daPa to –200 daPa for children, and +50 daPa to –50 daPa for adults is generally considered normal.
What is the difference between an audiogram and a tympanogram? ›
One of the tests is an audiogram and the other is a Tympanogram. The audiogram tests for hearing loss while the Tympanogram test for compliance (movement) of the ear drum. Hearing losses can be broken down into three basic types: Conductive Hearing Loss.
Can you have eustachian tube dysfunction with a normal tympanogram? ›
Conclusion: Patients with symptoms of ETD may have a TPP within a range typically considered normal per conventional standards. This suggests that the currently accepted interpretation of tympanometry findings may be insensitive for the diagnosis of less severe cases of ETD.
What does eustachian tube dysfunction look like? ›
Diagnosing Obstructive Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Over time, negative pressure can build up in the ear, causing pain, ear fullness and muffled hearing. When this occurs, sometimes your doctor can see the ear drum (tympanic membrane) change shape due to this pressure and become concave.
How did I cured my eustachian tube dysfunction? ›
What are some common eustachian tube dysfunction treatments?
- Chew gum.
- Yawn.
- Swallow.
- Try the Valsalva maneuver (breathing out forcefully while closing your mouth and pinching your nostrils).
- Use a saline spray to clear out nasal passages.
Disadvantages of Tympanometry
Since 226 Hz tympanometry is most commonly used in clinic, mass-related middle ear pathologies may not be clearly identified on tympanograms. Inexperienced operators may also misinterpret tympanometric data and overlook pertinent information obtained on the graph.
How do ENT check for fluid in ears? ›
An instrument called a pneumatic otoscope is often the only specialized tool a doctor needs to diagnose an ear infection. This instrument enables the doctor to look in the ear and judge whether there is fluid behind the eardrum. With the pneumatic otoscope, the doctor gently puffs air against the eardrum.
What does negative middle ear pressure indicate? ›
In routine clinical tympanometry the finding of negative middle ear pressure is not uncommon. The traditional explanation of the negative pressure is that passive gas resorption takes place when the Eustachian tube is blocked.
If the eustachian tube is blocked, the air pressure in the middle ear is different than the pressure on the outside of the eardrum. This can cause barotrauma. Many people have barotrauma at some time. The problem often occurs with altitude changes, such as flying, scuba diving, or driving in the mountains.
What type of hearing loss is a type a tympanogram? ›
There are three main types of tympanograms: A, B, and C. A Type A tympanogram indicates normal middle ear status. Reduced mobility of the tympanic membrane caused by a stiffened middle ear system can cause a shallow peak on the tympanogram, called a Type As tympanogram.
How does an abnormal tympanogram appear? ›
Abnormal readings.
If the eardrum is not responsive, probably due to perforation or fluid, the line will be flat. Other reasons why the tympanometry results may be because of: Scarring of the eardrum, which happens because of ear infections.
Can an ENT fix eustachian tube dysfunction? ›
Through this outpatient ENT surgery, we make a small incision in the eardrum and place a pressure equalization tube in it to allow fluid to escape. As a result, it not only resolves chronic earaches, but Eustachian tube problems as well.
What can be mistaken for eustachian tube dysfunction? ›
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction - Patients can experience pain in the temporomandibular joint secondary to bruxism or clenching, resulting in otalgia (which can be mistaken for eustachian tube dysfunction)
Can an audiologist see eustachian tube dysfunction? ›
Can an Audiologist Help with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction? An audiologist may also want to see you if you are having symptoms associated with eustachian tube dysfunction. The audiologist will do a tympanogram test to determine if there is an abnormal amount of negative pressure in your middle ear space.
What information is obtained through tympanometry? ›
Tympanometry provides useful quantitative information about the presence of fluid in the middle ear, mobility of the middle ear system, and ear canal volume.
What is the significance of a tympanogram? ›
A tympanometry test can be helpful in highlighting problems with the middle ear and disorders that may potentially result in hearing loss. Some common issues identified through this test include: Otitis media with effusion (OME), otherwise known as a middle ear infection. Abnormal ear pressure.
What does negative pressure on tympanogram mean? ›
This tympanogram shows a peak compliance but shifted to the negative pressure side of the X-axis. It suggests negative pressure in the middle ear and can be indicative of eustachian tube dysfunction. There are other parameters to assess alongside the test compliance curve.
