What is tympanometry?
Tympanometry is a test to evaluate the function of the middle ear and tympanic membrane.
What does it consist of?
The test consists of inserting a device into the outer ear, called a tympanometer, until an airtight seal is achieved. The specialist then causes a change in air pressure inside the ear cavity to check the mobility of the eardrum and to observe how the ear reacts to sound and pressure changes. The results are represented in a graph called tympanogram.
Why is it performed?
This technique is used to detect alterations in the middle ear, such as tympanic perforation, infectious otitis, tumors, middle ear conduction bone diseases or congenital alterations, among others.
Preparation for tympanometry
No special preparation for tympanometry is necessary on the part of the patient. Just before the examination, the ENT specialist will look inside the ear to make sure that there is nothing blocking the eardrum.
It is important that during the examination the patient avoids talking, swallowing or moving, as this may affect the pressure of the eardrum and alter the results of the test.
What does the test feel like?
During the test, the patient may hear very loud sounds and may feel discomfort from the probe, but it is not a painful test.
Meaning of abnormal results
If the tympanogram records abnormal ear behaviors at different pressures, it may mean that the ear is affected by a tumor, cerumen plug, fluid, a perforated eardrum, something blocking the eardrum, scarring of the tympanic membrane, or a contact problem in the middle ear bones.