Tympanometry

How the Test is Performed:
Initially, your health care provider will perform an ear test with an otoscope to evaluate your ear canal, ensuring that there is a clear path to your ear drum. Then a device is inserted in your ear that will change the pressure in your ear, produce a pure tone, and measure your body's responses to the sound and different pressures.

How to Prepare:
During the test, it is important not speak, move, swallow, or startle. All these actions can alter the pressure in the middle ear and invalidate the test results. The sounds heard during the test may be loud and potentially startling, so a conscious effort is required to avoid a startle reflex.

If your child is to have this test performed it may be helpful to explain how the test will feel, and even practice or demonstrate on a doll. The more familiar your child is with what will happen and why, the less anxiety he or she will feel.

How it Feels:
There may be some discomfort while the probe is in the ear, but no harm will result. You will hear a loud tone as the measurements are taken.

Risks:
There are no risks.

Why this Test is Performed:
This test determines the functionality of the tympanic membrane by observing its response to waves of pressure, and measuring the pressure of the middle ear.

Normal Values:
The normal pressure inside the middle ear is 100 daPa (a very small amount). The tympanic membrane should appear smooth and symmetrical.

Abnormal Results:
Tympanometry may reveal any of the following:
  • fluid in the middle ear
  • perforated ear drum
  • impacted ear wax
  • scarring of the tympanic membrane
  • lack of contact between the conduction bones of the middle ear
  • a tumor in the middle ear



Cost:
Information not available.

Special Considerations:
Not applicable.


This is an illustration of the external, middle, and inner ear. The detailed section is of the eardrum and the three tiny bones that conduct sound from the drum to the cochlea.