Tympanometry refers to a test that evaluates the movement of your tympanic membrane or your eardrum. It measures the functions and movement of your middle ear. This is the part of the ear where sound travels from the ear canal to the inner ear.
Tympanometry can help diagnose early signs of hearing loss and other problems that may occur in the middle ear. Here are some of the conditions that this test can detect:
- Otitis media
- Fluid in the middle ear
- A hole in the eardrum
- Complications with your Eustachian tube
This test is often used to detect early signs of hearing loss in children. Adults can also undergo this test regularly to check for any fluids or problems in the middle ear. Tympanometry can be done as often as a few weeks.
How is it Performed?
Before the test, a primary care doctor may look inside your ear canal with a special instrument called an otoscope. This is to make sure nothing is blocking the eardrum.
During the test, you are not allowed to move, speak, or swallow. Doing so can result in an incorrect reading.
A tympanometer is used for performing tympanometry and would usually take about two minutes to finish. During this test, tympanometers change your ear canal’s air pressure when you hear a low-pitched tone. As the pressure changes, the tympanometer will record measurements of your eardrum’s movement.
This test has no side effects or risks and is completely safe to perform.
Results
Here’s what a normal tympanogram results look like:
- Normal pressure in the eardrum
- Movement of the eardrum is normal
- There are no fluids present in the middle ear
- Normal movement of the bones in your middle ear
Here’s what an unusual tympanogram results look like:
- Fluid in the middle ear
- Tumor in the middle ear
- A impacted earwax
- Scarred eardrum
- Blocked or clogged eustachian tubes
- Unusual blockages in your middle ear.
- The bones in your middle ear not moving
- Ruptured eardrum
Consult with an ENT doctor today
Get your ears checked as early as today with Hearing Solutions. We also offer other services:
- Pure tone audiometry
- Newborn hearing screening
- Hearing aid fitting and consultation
You can visit us at Century Plaza Complex, Juana Osmeña St., Cebu City or at our Consolacion branch located at CPG Arcade, North Road, Consolacion.
Hearing Solutions is open to service you on Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 6 pm. To schedule an appointment, call us at 0932 788 1168 or message us on Facebook.
