Functions of Tympanometry
Tympanometry is helpful in the diagnosis of ear problems that can lead to hearing loss, mostly in children. Through the test, your doctor can check if you have:
A middle ear infection, also known as otitis media
Fluid in the middle ear
A perforated tympanic membrane
Issues with the Eustachian tube that connects the upper throat and nose to the middle ear
The test can be performed every few weeks for some months to determine how much fluid is in the middle ear over time. Adults also undergo the test as part of a routine hearing test to establish any problems with the middle ear.
A tympanogram provides a graphical representation of the functioning of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure within the ear canal.
When sound waves activate the eardrum, part of the sound is absorbed, passing to the middle ear. The other part of the sound is reflected. With this information on the tympanogram, the doctor can analyze the middle ear functions, especially the Eustachian tube function.
