Tympanometry measures the function of the middle ear by causing the eardrum to move back and forth. The test may be uncomfortable, especially for young children, and inaccurate results can occur if the person being tested moves or reacts. The procedure can detect tumors, fluid, earwax, and punctured or scarred eardrums, but may not always be accurate due to issues with the Eustachian tube.
A tympanometry is a test that measures the functioning of the middle ear. The word “tympanometry” was formed by combining two Greek words. “Tympanon” means drum and “metrein” denotes the act of measuring something. Before performing the test, a doctor makes sure there are no blockages in the path to the tympanic membrane, commonly called the eardrum. This is done by simply looking inside the ear canal.
Usually, the test is done by a doctor inserting a portable device into your ear. The instrument causes the air pressure inside the ear canal to fluctuate, causing the drum to move back and forth. The test results are recorded on tympanograms, which are graphs that can be read after the procedure. Although healthcare professionals typically say there are no risks associated with a tympanometry, the test may be uncomfortable for some people. Children are usually more cooperative if they understand what to expect and how they should behave.
Typically, infants younger than seven months of age are not undergoing tympanometry due to the behavior. Even if they are held down by a parent or guardian, fear may cause them to cry, fuss or whine. The sounds produced by these reactions interfere with the change in air pressure in the ear canal and the movement of the drum. Therefore, accurate results cannot be obtained with such interference.
During the test, the person being tested may hear loud sounds. If it reacts with jerky movements, the results can be distorted. This is why this procedure may prove impossible in very young children who do not understand the need to remain still. Often, using a doll to demonstrate to a child what will happen during a tympanometry and how it should behave is helpful.
There are important reasons why this test might be ordered by a healthcare professional. The presence of a tumor or fluid in the middle ear can be detected by the procedure. Impacted earwax or a punctured or scarred eardrum may also be discovered with this test. A tympanometry, also known as a tympanogram, isn’t always an accurate way to discover problems within the middle ear.
There is a tube, called the Eustachian tube, which connects the back of the nose and throat to the middle ear. This tube may not work properly at the time of testing for various reasons. If there’s a problem with this tube, the eardrum typically won’t move normally. Since its motion is what is measured during the procedure, the results can be misleading. There have also been cases where a tympanometry indicated the presence of fluid behind the eardrum when there was none.
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