Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflexes

Tympanometry can provide information regarding the eardrum and middle ear. During this test, you will be asked to sit quietly. A soft tip is placed in your ear canal. You will hear a tone and feel a momentary pressure change. No response is required from you.

Acoustic reflex test results provide valuable information regarding the severity of your hearing loss and the possible cause. It is also a valuable test in detecting problems in the auditory pathway.

Tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing may reveal any of the following:

• Fluid in the middle ear

• Impacted ear wax

• Lack of contact between the conduction bones of the middle ear

• Perforated ear drum

• Scarring of the tympanic membrane

• A tumor in the middle ear