Audiology - Middle Ear Flashcards
What do Tympanograms measure?
Performance of the ear drum (Tympanic Membrane) and middle ear (Ossicles)
What is the stapedius reflex?
The acoustic reflex which protects the cochlea from intense sounds
What type of energy is transferred in the middle ear?
Mechanical energy
What type of energy is transferred in the inner ear?
Hydraulic energy
What type of energy is transferred in the central pathway and temporal lobe?
Bio-electrical energy
When does the tympanic membrane vibrate most efficiently?
When the pressure in the ear canal equals that in the middle ear
If the middle ear wasn’t functioning, what would happen to the acoustic energy?
It would be reflected off the oval window (not transferred to the cochlea)
What are the acoustic repercussions of a non-functioning middle ear?
The loudness of sounds will be attenuated
What are some of the middle ear disorders which result in conductive hearing loss?
OME,
Down Syndrome,
Otosclerosis
Can deaf adults/children also suffer from conductive hearing loss?
Yes (usually temporary)
What type of testing are Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflex Threshold?
Objective
What is meant by impedance of the middle ear system?
Stiffness of the system which stops the system from working efficiently
Does the system become more / less compliant as impedance increases?
Less compliant
What is meant by compliance of the middle ear system?
Flexibility of the system, allowing it to work efficiently
What are the acoustic consequences of impedance of the middle ear?
Sound waves will not be conducted efficiently and loudness will be attenuated
What does the Acoustic Reflex Threshold test measure?
The functionality of the middle ear, inner ear, auditory nerve and lower brain stem
Who is Tympanometry usually used with?
Children
How do Tympanograms measure the function of the middle ear?
By providing graphical illustrations of the change in movement of the ear drum as a result of variations in pressure
Which is a quicker and more reliable test - bone conduction or Tympanometry?
Tympanometry
What steps are involved in a Tympanogram test?
- Pressure in the outer canal is changed relative to the pressure in the middle ear
- Changes in compliance / impedance are measured using a probe tone
- Reduce pressure in ear canal in successive steps
- Measurements taken at each step
What pressure do Tympanograms usually start at?
200 daPa
What frequency is the starting probe tone usually?
220 or 226 Hz
What is known by maximum compliance in a Tympanogram?
The level at which the ear drum is operating at maximal capacity
What are the axis labels on a Tympanogram?
X is pressure (decaPascals - daPa)
Y is compliance / impedance (ml of water)
What is it important to note regarding magnitude of greatest compliance on a Tympanogram?
The pressure at which this is achieved
What does a Jerger Type A Tympanogram represent?
Normal hearing
What is range of greatest compliance in normal hearing?
Minus 100 to Plus 50 daPa
What is the normal range of compliance?
0.3 to 1.5 ml of water