Validation of a Bilateral Simultaneous Computer-Based Tympanometer

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of bilateral simultaneous tympanometric measurements using a tympanometer with two pneumatic systems inside circumaural ear cups. Method Fifty-two adults (104 ears), with a mean age of 32 years ( SD = 12.39, range: 18–60 years) were included in this study. A within-subject repeated-measures design was used to compare tympanometric measurements yielded with the investigational device in unilateral and bilateral simultaneous conditions compared with an industry-standard tympanometer. Results No significant bias ( p > .05) was found between the mean of the differences of tympanometric measurements yielded by the two devices, except for a significant bias ( p < .05) of the mean of the differences for ear canal volume measurements (0.05 cm 3 ). The Bland–Altman plots showed overall good agreement between the tympanometric measurements between the two instruments. In all 104 ears, the tympanogram types of the KUDUwave TMP were compared with the reference device. The results were highly comparable with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% (95% CI [86.8%, 100%]) and 92.3% (95% CI [84.0%, 97.1%]), respectively. Conclusions The investigational device is a suitable instrument for unilateral or bilateral simultaneous tympanometric measurements in adults and demonstrates the potential of decentralized and accessible tympanometry services.

Performing tympanometry using smartphones

“…Unlike prior work, the smartphone-based tympanometer presented here provides similar information to commercially available tympanometry, and can be used to aid clinical diagnosis of a variety of pathologies affecting the middle ear. KUDUwave TMP 28 is a recent commercial device that integrates two pneumatic pumps into circumaural ear cups and ear inserts to perform bilateral tympanometry and audiometry and costs $6950. Our system mimics traditional unilateral tympanometry and is built on a smartphone device in both a handheld and desktop form factor.…”

Remote Technologies to Enhance Service Delivery for Adults: Clinical Research Perspectives

“…67 The incorporation of a tympanometer into the earcups of an automated audiometer, and use of an insert earphone both for pure-tone audiometry testing and for tympanometry, has been demonstrated. 68 However, more evidence is required for tympanometry to be recommended for incorporation into a CHH service, as it relies on a facilitator to perform the tympanometry.…”