Julie Raney is a certified and licensed audiologist. She has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in Colorado since 2005. She specializes in hearing amplification for adults and delivers her services in both English and Sign Language.

What is Tympanometry?

Tympanometry is a diagnostic exam used to test the condition of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane). It also looks at how the bones in the middle ear respond to air pressure in the ear canal. It helps your hearing health professional understand how well the eardrum can move and if there are any problems or concerns in the middle ear.

The Mechanics of a Tympanometer

A tympanometer is a small device that uses sound and air pressure to evaluate the health of the middle ear. It has three fundamental components:

A probe that changes air pressure in the ear canal: The tympanometric probe is gently inserted into the ear canal, creating an airtight seal. This provides accurate measurements.
A small speaker that emits sound: The device produces a pure tone or a series of tones in the ear canal. The sound energy that bounces back from the ear is measured.
A microphone that measures reflected sound: This component captures the echoed tones from the eardrum. The more sound that bounces back (is reflected), the less sound is being absorbed by the ear, indicating potential issues with how the middle ear is functioning.

The Process of Tympanometry

Tympanometry is a painless and brief procedure, often taking just a few minutes to complete. Here’s what happens during the test:

Placing the Probe: Your hearing health professional places the probe into your ear canal. You will feel a slight increase in pressure, similar to the sensation when ascending in an airplane.
Pressure changes: The tympanometer changes the air pressure inside the ear canal, from positive to negative. This causes the eardrum to move back and forth. During this time, you might hear a low-pitched hum or tone.
Sound emission and measurement: As the pressure adjusts, the device emits sound waves that hit the eardrum and bounce back into the probe’s microphone. The amount of sound energy that is reflected back is measured for different pressures.
Data analysis: The device then analyzes the reflected sound measurements, plotting them on a graph called a tympanogram. This graph reflects the eardrum’s response to changes in pressure.

Reading a Tympanogram

The tympanogram plot features peaks and valleys that represent how the eardrum moved in response to the changes in pressure. A normal tympanogram shows a distinct peak, indicating good eardrum movement where the middle ear pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure. Abnormal results might show a flat line (indicating fluid in the middle ear, for example) or peaks at unusual pressures (suggesting eustachian tube dysfunction), among other potential findings.

Applications of Tympanometry

Tympanometry is invaluable in diagnosing various conditions affecting the middle ear, including:

Otitis Media with Effusion (OME): Also known as fluid in the middle ear, it’s one of the most common conditions diagnosed with tympanometry.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This condition affects the tube that connects the middle ear to the throat and can lead to pressure problems and fluid accumulation.
Tympanic Membrane Perforation: Tympanometry can suggest a perforation based on abnormal movement of the eardrum.
Cholesteatoma: This is a benign growth in the middle ear that can lead to hearing loss and is often suggested by abnormal tympanometry results.

Why Get a Tympanometry Test?

Tympanometry testing doesn’t just diagnose middle ear conditions. It helps determine the type of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed) and guides the management and treatment plan.

It’s especially beneficial for testing children who cannot verbally communicate their hearing difficulties. Tympanometry also provides valuable data before and after medical treatments for middle ear conditions, helping hearing professionals determine if treatment was successful.

Visit Us For A Hearing Test

The tympanometer is a remarkable tool that gives us insight into the health of the middle ear. If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing issues, book a hearing test to learn more. We’ll conduct comprehensive hearing assessments, including tympanometry, to help you find out exactly what sounds you’re missing.