Timponometry
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Tympanometry is a method of examining the ear drum.
This is done using a special probe, which reproduces a series of different frequencies. As a rule, they range from 200 to 1500 Hz. Thanks to this technique, it is possible to determine the resonant frequency of the middle ear system . In an adult this figure is 900 Hz.
Indications for tympanometry
Indications for tympanometry are in every way connected with hearing problems. So, on the average the ear can be liquid and to check this state it is necessary to make some manipulations. The procedure is also performed with perforation of the tympanic membrane.
The main indication may be a tumor in the middle ear. It is possible to injure the tympanic membrane. Timpanometry is also carried out with a plug of sulfur. Finally, it can be any disturbance of bone conduction in the middle ear.
This procedure is mainly carried out with inflammatory diseases of the ear. It allows you to make an assessment of the presence of fluid in the cavity of the middle ear. This manipulation takes place even when the auditory nerve is affected. Conduct it and in children in the presence of adenoiditis. Finally, tympanometry is used as a comprehensive diagnosis of hearing loss in adults and children. In some cases, it is used for differential diagnosis of various ear diseases.
How are tympanometry done?
In fact, the procedure is very simple and does not require additional training. First, the doctor examines the ear using an ordinary funnel. This will allow him to make sure that there are no foreign bodies in the hearing organs, including sulfur plugs.
After this, the patient receives recommendations regarding the behavior during this procedure. You can not talk, swallow saliva, chew and move. All this can make unpleasant adjustments to the result of the study. As a result, people will not receive accurate data.
At the next stage, a special probe is inserted into the ear. After this, the pump starts to pump air, which in the same second is drawn back. Thus, it is possible to create pressure on the membrane and make it come into motion. Then the pressure is estimated. Simultaneously, a special sound signal is given. Thanks to it, the evaluation of sound reflection from the eardrum is made. Based on the data obtained, a conclusion is drawn.
During the procedure itself, a person can feel a slight pressure in the ear and, of course, ringing sounds. The procedure is completely painless and has no contraindications. Tympanometry is performed for 5-10 minutes.
Tympanometry for the child
Tympanometry to the child is also carried out if there is a risk of the appearance of sulfuric cork or adenoiditis. After the disease is characterized by proliferation of adenoids. The procedure in turn allows one to assess the extent of this pathology and to draw a conclusion about the possibility of conservative treatment.
For the children of research is carried out exactly the same as for adults. There are no differences. It is important to explain the child how to behave and what not to do before starting the procedure. It is worth mentioning at once that the procedure is painless. Therefore, the baby has nothing to fear. It should be explained to the child that during manipulation you can not move, talk, swallow saliva and chew. All this will make negative adjustments to the result of the study. There are no age limits for carrying out this procedure. Tympanometry is performed even by a newborn. It does not carry any negative actions, it is not capable of harming the body and certainly lead to the appearance of painful sensations.
Contraindications to tympanometry
This procedure is completely safe and is not capable of harming a person's health. But, despite this, conducting it without consulting a doctor is not worth it. After all, all people are unique in themselves and the frequency of perception of sounds by hearing organs can be different.
Therefore, before going to the procedure it is worth to visit the therapist. Basically, it is he who gives directions to the passage of this technique or recommends to pass it on his own.
To date, many people use this procedure. After all, it is very effective. Thanks to it you can notice new growths in the middle ear and prevent the development of serious diseases. The procedure is completely safe. Moreover, it can be carried even to newborns, which several times facilitates the task of diagnosing problems with ears. Timpanometry is really a new breakthrough in medicine, it is not always so easy to determine for what reason a person is disturbed by the organs of hearing.
[Explanation of tympanometry
Decipherment of tympanometry should be performed by a physician. Independently a person is unlikely to be able to understand anything. At the end of the procedure, he is given a sheet with the results. As a rule, these are charts and description. Thanks to this picture you can assess the real state of affairs. The graphs show the susceptibility of the ear to sounds and the data regarding pressure.
A person is given sounds to the hearing organs of a different frequency and, on the basis of this, a conclusion is made regarding his receptivity. Thanks to this procedure, you can easily determine the presence of any deviations. The paramedic who performs this procedure does not deal with deciphering. Usually this fate befalls LOR. After all, he should send the patient to this procedure if he is disturbed by any deviations or there is a risk of developing a hearing disorder. The result is extremely clear, but only for a specialist. Based on the data, he makes a diagnosis. Timpanometry is a universal procedure that will allow you to notice any deviations.
Tympanometry type C
Tympanometry type c means that the peak of the curve is shifted to the left. This is usually a sign of negative pressure in the tympanum. After the procedure, a person receives a data sheet. On them there are schedules and the description. According to the graphs, it is possible to understand the extent to which the pressure in the hearing organs and how things are with the reflection of sound from the tympanic membrane.
But in order to make an accurate diagnosis, you need to build on some kind of norm. So, there are several types of tympanometry. The first type A, it indicates that all indicators are within the norm. The peak of the graph is exactly in the middle. The second type B, it shows a flat curve, which indicates the swelling in the tympanic membrane. Type C, as mentioned above, means negative pressure. There are no other variations of the decoding. Timpanometry allows you to assess the state of the human hearing organs from graphs and draw conclusions on the basis of the findings.
Where to do tympanometry?
Not many know where to do tympanometry. In fact, this procedure is carried out in almost every clinic. Naturally, it is necessary to have modern equipment. Therefore, if there is no possibility to make a procedure in a city polyclinic, due to the lack of instruments, a person is sent to another place. Usually these are general clinics that specialize in this issue.
Usually, after the examination, the doctor gives directions for the procedure. In modern clinics everything is done quickly and painlessly. The duration of all manipulations is 5-10 minutes. At the end of the given time a person receives a sheet with the results. There are two graphics and a description. The graphs indicate the frequency of perception of the ear sounds and pressure. With the data received, the patient goes to his doctor to decipher the information. Medical workers conducting the procedure are not involved in deciphering. Timpanometry can be carried out absolutely in any place, where there is a necessary equipment.
Timpanometry does not require any preparation and delivery of tests. This means that there will be no additional waste. Naturally, it is better to do the procedure in a modern clinic on good equipment. It may cost a little more, but the result will be accurate. It is important to comply with all rules during the procedure. Otherwise tympanometry will show an unreliable result and it will have to be altered, and this is an additional waste.