Tympanometry

Tympanometry is an objective clinical test that measures the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure. A small probe placed in the ear canal seals the canal and varies the air pressure while measuring how much sound the eardrum reflects. The resulting graph is called a tympanogram.

A normally mobile eardrum produces a peaked tympanogram (Type A). A flat tympanogram (Type B) indicates reduced eardrum mobility and can signal middle ear fluid, a perforation, or a blocked probe tip. A tympanogram with a peak at negative pressure (Type C) suggests Eustachian tube dysfunction with negative middle ear pressure.

Tympanometry does not test hearing directly but provides important information about middle ear condition that complements the audiogram. It is a routine part of a comprehensive audiological assessment and is particularly useful in evaluating children, where middle ear conditions such as fluid behind the eardrum are common.