Which test measures how much sound is reflected back from the eardrum?

Which test measures how much sound is reflected back from the eardrum?

• A. Acoustic reflectometry
• B. Tympanometry
• C. Weber test
• D. Rinne test

Answer: (A)

Acoustic reflectometry focuses on how much sound energy bounces back from the tympanic membrane. A probe emits a sound into the ear canal and measures the amount of energy that is reflected versus absorbed by the middle ear. When the middle ear is normal or air-filled, less sound is reflected because more energy enters the middle ear. If there’s fluid or impedance in the middle ear, more sound is reflected, increasing the reflected signal. This makes acoustic reflectometry useful for detecting middle-ear effusion or pressure changes. Tympanometry, on the other hand, changes the air pressure in the ear canal and measures how easily the eardrum moves, which tells you about its mobility rather than how much sound is reflected. The Weber test uses a tuning fork at the forehead to see where sound is heard, helping distinguish conductive from sensorineural loss, not reflection from the eardrum. The Rinne test compares air conduction to bone conduction with a tuning fork, also assessing conduction rather than reflection.

Acoustic reflectometry focuses on how much sound energy bounces back from the tympanic membrane. A probe emits a sound into the ear canal and measures the amount of energy that is reflected versus absorbed by the middle ear. When the middle ear is normal or air-filled, less sound is reflected because more energy enters the middle ear. If there’s fluid or impedance in the middle ear, more sound is reflected, increasing the reflected signal. This makes acoustic reflectometry useful for detecting middle-ear effusion or pressure changes.

Tympanometry, on the other hand, changes the air pressure in the ear canal and measures how easily the eardrum moves, which tells you about its mobility rather than how much sound is reflected. The Weber test uses a tuning fork at the forehead to see where sound is heard, helping distinguish conductive from sensorineural loss, not reflection from the eardrum. The Rinne test compares air conduction to bone conduction with a tuning fork, also assessing conduction rather than reflection.