Tympanometry Flashcards
What is the normal range for ME compliance?
0.3 - 1.6cm3
What is the normal range for ME pressure?
-50 - +50 daPa
What is the normal range for Ear Canal Volume?
0.6 - 2.5cm3
What are the normative calibration volumes?
Cavity Acceptable value
• 0.5cm3 • 0.5cm3
• 2.0cm3 • 1.9 - 2.1cm3
• 5.0cm3 • 4.8 - 5.2cm3
What connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx?
Eustachian tube - also known as the auditory tube
What equalises the pressure between the outside environment and the ME?
Eustachian tube
What are the 3 components of a tympanometer probe?
• Loudspeaker
• Microphone
• Pump
What are the two types of probe tips?
Mushroom and Umbrella
What are 4 ABSOLUTE contraindications for Tympanometry?
• Otorrhea/Blood
• Acute Otitis Media (red bulging TM)
• Foreign Body (except grommet NB: must be sufficient time post surgery)
• Ear Surgery within last 2 months (unless ENT surgeon agrees)
What are some of the CAUTIONARY contraindications for Tympanometry?
• Wax
• Partial Stenosis
• Comfort/Tenderness or Soreness
• Ear Surgery more than 2 months ago
• Any previous ossicular surgery or eardrum reconstruction
• Testing under general anaesthetic
If the graph shows abnormal ME compliance but normal ECV what could that mean?
Otitis media with effusion (OME) e.g., glue ear
If the ECV is high and ME compliance is abnormal what could that mean?
Perforation or grommet in-situ
If the ECV is low what could that mean?
Occluding body
Wax/foreign object
If the graph shows abnormally high ME pressure then what could this mean?
Possible Eustachian Tube dysfunction or retracted TM
If the ME pressure is too low then what could this suggest?
ME too compliant such as ossicular chain dislocation