Name of the Procedure:

Tympanometry and Reflex Threshold Measurements
Common name(s): Ear pressure test, Acoustic reflex test
Technical terms: Tympanometric assessment, Acoustic reflex thresholds

Summary

Tympanometry and reflex threshold measurements are tests used to examine how well the middle ear is functioning. Tympanometry assesses ear pressure and eardrum movement, while reflex threshold measurements check the ear's response to sounds.

Purpose

These tests are used to diagnose issues related to the middle ear, such as fluid buildup, eardrum perforation, or Eustachian tube dysfunction. The primary goals are to detect and assess the severity of these conditions and to help guide further treatment.

Indications

• Symptoms including hearing loss, ear pain, or fullness in the ear
• Recurrent ear infections
• Suspected Eustachian tube dysfunction
• As part of a comprehensive audiological evaluation

Preparation

• No special preparation such as fasting is generally required.
• Avoid loud noise exposure before the test to ensure accurate results.
• A preliminary ear examination to check for obstructions like earwax.

Procedure Description

1. The patient sits comfortably in a chair.
2. A small, soft probe is placed in the ear canal.
3. For tympanometry, the probe changes air pressure in the ear canal while emitting a tone, and measures the eardrum’s response.
4. For reflex threshold measurements, sounds are played through the probe and the ear's muscle response is recorded.
5. Both tests are non-invasive and generally painless, though the patient may feel slight pressure changes or hear beeps.

Duration

Typically takes about 10-15 minutes per ear.

Setting

Usually performed in an outpatient clinic or audiology office.

Personnel

Typically conducted by an audiologist or a trained healthcare professional specializing in hearing and balance disorders.

Risks and Complications

• Minor discomfort from the probe or pressure changes
• Rare instances of dizziness or brief ear pain
• Very low risk of ear canal irritation or infection

Benefits

• Provides valuable information about middle ear health
• Can detect conditions early, leading to better management and outcomes
• Non-invasive and quick procedure

Recovery

• No recovery time needed; patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow-up with the healthcare provider may be needed to discuss results and next steps.

Alternatives

• Pure-tone audiometry: Measures hearing sensitivity
• Otoscopy: Visual examination of the ear canal and eardrum
• MRI or CT scans: Used in more complex cases to visualize ear structures in detail
• Pros: Alternatives may provide complementary information
• Cons: Less specificity in diagnosing middle ear function compared to tympanometry and reflex measurements

Patient Experience

• The patient may feel mild pressure or hear various tones.
• Generally comfortable; minimal discomfort reported.
• Pain management usually not necessary, but patient comfort is ensured throughout the procedure.