Book a Procedure- Tympanometry (TM)

About Tympanometry (TM) :

What is Tympanometry?

 

Tympanometry is a medical test used to assess the function of the middle ear and eardrum. It is a non-invasive test that measures the movement of the eardrum and the reflexes of the middle ear muscles. During the test, a small probe is inserted into the ear canal and a gentle air pressure is applied. The probe measures the movement of the eardrum and the reflexes of the middle ear muscles in response to the air pressure.

 

Tympanometry is used to:

1. Diagnose middle ear problems, such as otitis media (ear infection) or eustachian tube dysfunction

2. Assess the function of the eardrum and middle ear

3. Detect abnormalities in the middle ear, such as a perforated eardrum or middle ear tumors

4. Monitor the effectiveness of treatment for middle ear disorders

 

Tympanometry is commonly used in:

1. Pediatric audiology to diagnose and monitor middle ear problems in children

2. Adult audiology to diagnose and monitor middle ear problems in adults

3. ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinics to diagnose and treat middle ear disorders.

 

What is the process of Tympanometry?

 

Tympanometry is a medical test used to assess the functioning of the middle ear system, including the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the Eustachian tube. Here's the step-by-step process:

 

Preparation:

1. Patient preparation: The patient is seated comfortably in a quiet room.

2. Ear canal cleaning: The ear canal is cleaned to remove any wax or debris.

 

Test Procedure:

1. Probe insertion: A small probe is inserted into the ear canal, sealing it.

2. Air pressure changes: The probe changes the air pressure in the ear canal, creating a series of pressure changes.

3. Eardrum movement measurement: The probe measures the movement of the eardrum in response to the pressure changes.

4. Data analysis: The measured data is analyzed to produce a tympanogram, which shows the movement of the eardrum in response to the pressure changes.

 

Types of Tympanometry:

1. Acoustic tympanometry: Measures the movement of the eardrum in response to sound.

2. Impedance tympanometry: Measures the movement of the eardrum in response to pressure changes.

 

Interpretation:

1. Tympanogram analysis: The tympanogram is analyzed to assess the functioning of the middle ear system.

2. Results: The results are interpreted by an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to diagnose middle ear disorders.

 

Note: The entire procedure typically takes around 5-10 minutes. Tympanometry is a non-invasive, painless test that provides valuable information about the functioning of the middle ear system.

 

What is Tympanometry used for?

 

Tympanometry is used for:

1. Middle Ear Function Assessment: To assess the functioning of the middle ear system, including the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the Eustachian tube.

2. Diagnosing Middle Ear Disorders: To diagnose middle ear disorders such as otitis media (middle ear infection), eustachian tube dysfunction, and perforated eardrum.

3. Hearing Loss Evaluation: To evaluate hearing loss and determine if it is related to a middle ear problem.

4. Eustachian Tube Function Assessment: To assess the functioning of the Eustachian tube, which regulates air pressure in the middle ear.

5. Monitoring Middle Ear Problems: To monitor middle ear problems over time, such as tracking the progress of otitis media or eustachian tube dysfunction.

6. Assessing Patency of Ear Tubes: To assess the patency (openness) of ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) inserted to treat recurrent otitis media.

7. Pre-operative Evaluation: To evaluate middle ear function before surgery, such as cochlear implantation or middle ear reconstruction.

8. Research and Diagnostic Purposes: To conduct research studies and diagnostic tests related to middle ear function and hearing.

 

Tympanometry is a valuable diagnostic tool that provides objective information about middle ear function, helping healthcare professionals diagnose and manage various middle ear disorders.