An examination utilized to test the condition of the middle ear, the mobility of the tympanic membrane, and the conduction bones.
The test creates variations of air pressure in the ear canal.
It is an objective test of middle ear function.
It does not test hearing per se, but is a measure of energy transmission through the middle ear.
The test is evaluated in conjunction with audiometry.
In evaluating hearing loss improvements the distinction between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
Can help in the diagnosis of otitis media by demonstrating the presence of middle ear fluid.
The device generates a tone of 226 Hz in the ear canal, with the sound strikes the tympanic membrane causing vibration in the middle ear.
The sound reflected back from the tympanic membrane is recorded as a chart known as a tympanogram, expressing how energy is transmitted through the middle ea,r as admittance.
Normally the air pressure in the middle ear is approximately the same as ambient pressure as the eustachian tube opens to ventilate the middle ear and equalizes pressure: maximum sound is transmitted through the middle ear when the ambient air pressure in the ear canal is equal to the pressure in the middle ear.
The device inserted into the ear canal and as it generates a pure tone it measures the eardrum response to this tone at different pressures.
Measures compliance of the tympanic membrane, ear canal volume, and the stapedial reflex.