Impedanciometría

Impedanciometría is a diagnostic audiological test used to assess the function of the middle ear and the integrity of the tympanic membrane. It is a non-invasive and objective measure, meaning it does not require the patient's conscious participation. The test involves introducing a small probe into the ear canal, which emits a pure tone and measures the eardrum's reflex response to changes in air pressure.

The primary components measured during impedanciometría are tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing. Tympanometry assesses the mobility of the tympanic membrane and the pressure within the middle ear space. It provides a graphical representation called a tympanogram, which can indicate conditions such as middle ear effusion, ossicular discontinuity, or tympanic membrane perforation. Acoustic reflex testing measures the contraction of the stapedius muscle in the middle ear in response to loud sounds. This reflex is important for protecting the inner ear from loud noises and for understanding speech in noisy environments. Abnormalities in the acoustic reflex can suggest auditory nerve damage or dysfunction in the brainstem.

Impedanciometría is a valuable tool for identifying and differentiating various types of hearing loss, particularly conductive hearing loss. It is commonly used in audiology clinics, otolaryngology practices, and newborn hearing screening programs. The results of impedanciometría are often interpreted in conjunction with other audiological tests, such as pure-tone audiometry, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of auditory function.