tümpanomeetria

Tümpanomeetria is an audiological test used to assess the function of the middle ear. It measures the mobility of the tympanic membrane and the pressure within the middle ear. The test involves placing a small probe in the ear canal that emits a tone and measures the sound reflected back. Changes in the reflected sound indicate how well the eardrum and middle ear structures are working.

The procedure is non-invasive and relatively quick, typically taking only a few minutes per ear. During the test, a seal is created in the ear canal, and a sound is introduced. Pressure is then varied within the ear canal, causing the eardrum to move. The instrument records the compliance of the tympanic membrane at different pressure levels.

Tümpanomeetria helps diagnose various middle ear conditions, including fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion), tympanic membrane perforations, and ossicular chain problems. It can also assess the function of the Eustachian tube. The results are often presented as a graph called a tympanogram, which shows the compliance of the eardrum as a function of middle ear pressure. Different patterns on the tympanogram can suggest specific pathologies. This test is commonly used in pediatric audiology and in routine hearing evaluations for individuals of all ages.