Automatic tympanometric testing means

Abstract

An improved tympanometric testing means is described for automatically testing the status of the middle ear. The testing unit provides a recording on a chart showing a change in the compliance of the middle ear during change of the air pressure in the external ear. The tympanometric test unit operates automatically as the clinician inserts the test probe into the patient's ear. The unit automatically determines that the probe is in an unblocked condition and that the test probe tone is at a proper intensity relative to the ear canal volume. When these conditions are met and the ear canal pressure at the probe reaches the predetermined test start pressure, the unit proceeds with the testing as the pressure in the ear canal moves between desired limits such as between the +200 and -200 mm H2 O and while the recorder makes a plot of the ear drum compliance.