Tympanometric Results Research Articles

Comparative study between the normally hearing child and the hard of hearing child, by acoustic impedance measurements of the ear.

In the first part, the author makes a comparative study of the tympanometric results obtained from the normally hearing child and the hard of hearing child. The frequency of serous otitis media is statistically higher in the deaf child. The author compares such results of tympanometry as obtained from the child, considers the contribution of this technique to the field of pediatric audiology and suggests a classification of tympanograms in terms of the probe-tone frequency of the impedancemeter. The second part concerns the acoustico-facial reflex. This study compares the recording of the stapedius reflex obtained by pure tone and Narrow-Band noise acoustic stimulation, thanks to Madsen electro-acoustic bridge, in two groups of children, the one consisting of normal hearing children and the other of children suffering from severe perception hearing loss. The study of the stapedius reflex threshold makes it possible to analyse the dynamics of the field of perception in both groups. After an analysis of the results, the author outlines the importance attributable to the study of the stapedius reflex in the child as a means of objectively examining the auditive function and a means of differential diagnosis in cases of sensorineural impairment of the hearing function.

Tympanometry in Three-Year-Old ChildrenI. A Regional Prevalence Study on the Distribution of Tympanometric Results in a Non-selected Population of 3-Year-Old Children

Tympanometry in Three-Year-Old Children<i>I. A Regional Prevalence Study on the Distribution of Tympanometric Results in a Non-selected Population of 3-Year-Old Children</i>

Tympanometry in three-year-old children. I. A regional prevalence study on the distribution of tympanometric results in a non-selected population of 3-year-old children.

Epidemiological data on middle-ear pathology during pre-school age are lacking the striking frequency of middle-ear symptoms in this age group. To evaluate the applicability of the impedance test in the younger age groups and to make an epidemiological study of the distribution of tympanogram types in a normal group of pre-school children, an attempt was made to examine all 523 3-year-olds in a limited geographic area. 1005 ears in 504 children (96.4% of those invited) were fully investigated with tympanometry and otoscopy with Siegle's speculum within 4 weeks. 62.8% of the ears showed type A tympanometric curves, 9.8% type B and 27.4% type C. Bilateral type A tympanometric curves were found in 276 children (55.4%). The prevalence of abnormal tympanometry proved to be unexpectedly high in both sexes. This finding is discussed. Even with the use of conventional technique and standard equipment, the 3-year-old clientele presented no testing problems.

A system for reporting tympanometric results.

Available electroacoustic middle-ear measurement instruments report information concerning middle-ear function in at least six different terms. These terms are used to report middle-ear function: impedance, compliance, admittance, susceptance, conductance, and volume. A standard system for the clinical expression of middle-ear measurements, regardless of the particular measurement unit used, is proposed.

Measurement of middle ear pressure in guinea pigs.

A simple technique designed to relate controlled changes in middle ear pressures with simultaneously measured tympanometric recordings was used to validate the electroacoustic impedance assessment of intratympanic air pressures. Seven ears in five guinea pigs were examined, and 230 coinciding manometric and tympanometric measurements were taken. The data obtained showed the manometric and tympanometric results to be within ±15 mm H 2 O of one another.

Studies in tympanometry: validation of the present technique for determining intra-tympanic pressures through the intact eardrum.

AbstractA simple technique designed to relate controlled changes in middle ear pressures brought about in the pressure chamber with simultaneously measured tympanometric recordings was used to validate the electroacoustic impedance assessment of intratympanic air pressures in human beings.The data obtained showed the absolute and tympanometric results to be in close approximation. Tympanometry in its capacity of evaluating Eustachian tube functions, was classified into two versions: the static type, which records the consequent results of Eustachian tube functions or malfunction, together with a graphic estimation of the overall tympanic membrane compliance; and the dynamic type, that actually records and assesses Eustachian functions quantitatively. The contribution of this work toward further understanding and usage of tympanometry in clinical practice is briefly discussed in view of the proven validity and reliability of the test.