Tympanometry Testing London

Tympanometry is how we test the function of the middle ear and we can use it to determine if your hearing loss is likely to require hearing aids or another treatment path.

We use a highly sophisticated machine which exerts a small (and painless) amount of pressure in your ear as well as a low tone.

With this, we can measure the movement of your eardrum to see whether the middle ear is functioning as we would expect. Abnormal tympanogram results may
suggest:

• Blockage or fluid build-up in your middle ear (most common).
• Blocked or clogged eustachian tubes (the tubes that open and close to control air pressure
  inside your ears).
• Growths in your middle ear.
• Abnormal movement of the middle ear bones (malleus, incus and stapes)
• A perforation of the eardrum not observed during otoscopy.
• A scarred eardrum (from an infection or fluid).
  Tympanometry can also be used to tell if an eardrum is fully healed following an infection or
  perforation.

The tympanometre will use a probe and probe tip to form a seal in the ear canal and produce a probe tone.

The tone variation will depend on the patient's age and other factors. This is why we recommend consulting with our audiologists to ensure the test is tailored to your needs. The audiologist may also decide to use a wideband stimulus, such as a wideband click, that works for both adults and children to run the test.

After the tone is introduced to the ear, the admittance (ease of energy flow) is recorded. Simultaneously, the pump changes the pressure in the ear canal to assess how the admittance is affected under different pressure conditions.

A microphone is placed in the ear canal alongside the probe and pump to measure the admittance. Using this microphone, the tympanometre maintains a consistent sound pressure level in the ear canal.

The admittance is derived from the electrical current needed to maintain the sound level throughout the measurement. The idea is that under different pressure conditions, varying energy levels will pass into the middle ear.

These data points are then plotted on a graph called a tympanogram, which displays the admittance measured into (mm) as a function of the middle ear pressure measured in (data).

Tympanometry comes as part of our standard hearing consultation. Once you're seated and comfortable, we'll place the device inside your ear. This isn't an uncomfortable experience, in fact, it just feels like an earplug.

The tool then gets to work on causing the air pressure in your ear canal to change, a sensation which is often compared to that of taking-off and landing in a plane. Whilst this pressure is changing, the device will measure and record your eardrum's movement, so it's important that you're quiet and still during the test.

Before the audiologists begin the tympanogram test procedure, they will request your medical history to look for any contraindications. The exam may include general questions such as whether you have had any ear infections in the recent past and other medications you may be on. This will help ensure the test results are accurate and the test is adjusted to meet your needs.

What Happens After Tympanometry Testing?

Depending on the results' findings, we may also recommend some steps, which may include other tests necessary to diagnose the ear conditions. If the ear results are consistently abnormal, the problem could be that there is more fluid behind the ear drum, which could require additional testing.

The audiologist will advise on the most appropriate steps to take after the test and, where necessary, may refer you to the specialist you need to see for further diagnosis and treatment.