Which procedure evaluates middle-ear function by changing air pressure in the ear canal?

Which procedure evaluates middle-ear function by changing air pressure in the ear canal?

• A. Tympanometry
• B. Acoustic reflectometry
• C. Audiometer
• D. Otoscope

Answer: (A)

Changing air pressure in the ear canal to assess how the middle ear responds is tympanometry. A tympanometer seals the ear canal and varies the pressure while delivering a quiet tone. By measuring how the tympanic membrane moves as the pressure changes, it builds a tympanogram that shows the membrane’s compliance at different pressures. The point where the middle-ear pressure matches the ear canal pressure allows the tympanic membrane to move most freely, producing a peak on the graph. This pattern helps detect problems such as fluid in the middle ear, eustachian tube dysfunction, or a perforated eardrum, because these conditions alter how the eardrum moves when pressure is applied or released. Acoustic reflectometry uses reflected sound energy to gauge middle-ear properties but does not involve actively changing air pressure in the ear canal. An audiometer tests hearing thresholds by presenting tones or speech, not tympanic membrane mobility under pressure. An otoscope lets you visually inspect the ear canal and eardrum but doesn’t measure pressure or membrane movement.

Changing air pressure in the ear canal to assess how the middle ear responds is tympanometry. A tympanometer seals the ear canal and varies the pressure while delivering a quiet tone. By measuring how the tympanic membrane moves as the pressure changes, it builds a tympanogram that shows the membrane’s compliance at different pressures. The point where the middle-ear pressure matches the ear canal pressure allows the tympanic membrane to move most freely, producing a peak on the graph. This pattern helps detect problems such as fluid in the middle ear, eustachian tube dysfunction, or a perforated eardrum, because these conditions alter how the eardrum moves when pressure is applied or released.

Acoustic reflectometry uses reflected sound energy to gauge middle-ear properties but does not involve actively changing air pressure in the ear canal. An audiometer tests hearing thresholds by presenting tones or speech, not tympanic membrane mobility under pressure. An otoscope lets you visually inspect the ear canal and eardrum but doesn’t measure pressure or membrane movement.