Tympanometric Pattern Classification in Relation to Middle Ear Effusions

Abstract

Tympanometric evaluation using an otoadmittance meter and X-Y plotter was performed on 129 ears of 70 children with history of recurrent acute otitis media, or evidence otoscopically of persistent middle ear effusion, or both. Myringotomy, performed immediately following the tympanometric procedure, confirmed the presence or absence of effusion. Following myringotomy, tympanometric patterns, as shown by susceptance and conductance tracings at 220 and 660 Hz, were identified and middle ear pressures and otoadmittance peak values were determined. These findings were compared and criteria were developed which best determined the presence or absence of effusion. The results revealed the following: 1) High negative middle ear pressure is not necessarily a reliable indicator of middle ear effusion. 2) Tympanometry can be used reliably as an indicator of effusion. A combination of pattern classification and susceptance criteria enabled correct prediction of effusion in 93% of these children. One pattern at B660 was found to be pathognomonic of effusion. 3) In general, otoadmittance at 660 Hz appears to be a better indicator of effusion than 220 Hz.

Auditory processing disorders associated with a case of Kartagner's syndrome

“…Acoustic Immitance measurement revealed a flat tympanogram with normal ear canal volume. Such findings are suggestive of a perforated tympanic membrane with active middle ear pathology (27). Acoustic reflex and otoacoustic emissions were not obtained probably because of the perforated tympanic membrane (28,29).…”

The Use of Tympanometry to Detect Aerotitis Media in Hypobaric Chamber Operations

“…A number of studies have suggested that tympanometry may provide a method to evaluate middle ear ventilation that requires less experience and subjective interpretation on the part of the examiner than previous methods (Beery et al, 1975;Brooks, 1968;Paradise et al, 1976;Shurin et al, 1977). It has been used successfully in routine clinical screening of pediatric populations for middle ear defects and to detect and follow the results of middle ear effusions (Cante et al, 1980;Jerger, 1970;Paradise et al, 1980;Paradise et al, 1976).…”

“…All measurements were performed by one investigator to minimize potential discrepancies in technique, although other studies (Beery et al, 1975;Brooks, 1968;Paradise et al, 1976;Shurin et al, 1977) suggest there is very little difference in measurements by different operators using standard procedures.…”

Acoustic Impedance Measurement as Screening Procedure in Children: Discussion Paper

“…Equally undoubtedly, pure-tone screening is inefficient in identifying children at risk. Several studies have indicated that school screening, even if carried out with the utmost rigour, is only about 50% efficient in identifying children with MEE, which is by far the major cause of auditory dysfunction (Eagles 1972, Beery et al 1975, Cody et al 1975, Cunningham & McArthur 1981). By contrast, impedance measurement has a sensitivity of over 90% and a specificity of the same order (Brooks 1982).…”