What is tympanometry?

Tympanometry is a test that measures how well the middle ear works. The word "tympanometry" was created from a combination of two Greek words. "Tympanone" means a drum and "Metrein" refers to the act of measuring something. Before performing the test provider of health care, it ensures that on the way to the tympanic membrane, commonly called an ear drum. This is simply done by viewing the inside of the ear canal.

The test is usually performed by a physician who places a hand -held device in the ear. The tool fluctuates the air pressure inside the ear canal, 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 health care providers generally report that there are no risks with tympanometry, the test can be unpleasant for some people. Children usually cooperate if they understand what to expect and how they would behave. Although they are still held by a parent or guardian, fear could cause them to crumble, bother or whine. Sounds createdThese reactions disrupt the changing air pressure in the ears and drum movement. Therefore, exact results cannot be obtained with such disturbing.

During the test, a person undergoing test can hear loud sounds. If it reacts with jerky movements, the results may be distorted. That is why such a procedure could prove to be impossible in very young children who do not understand the need to remain calm. The use of a doll to demonstrate a child that happens during tympanometry and how it should behave is useful.

There are important reasons why this test could be ordered by the Health Care Provider. The presence of a tumor or fluid in the middle ear can be detected by the procedure. This test also includes an impact on ear wax or punctured or scarred ear drum. Tympanometry, also known as the Tympanogram, is not always the exact way of discovering problems inside the middle ear.

There is tubes availableE, called a eustachian tube that connects the back of the nose and neck to the middle ear. This tube may not work properly at the time of the test for various reasons. If a problem occurs with this tube, the ear drum usually does not move normally. Because its movement is what is measured during the procedure, the results can be misleading. There were also cases where tympanometry indicated the presence of fluid behind the ear drum when none was.