How are ear pressure readings taken? Are there any risks associated with this test? What are the implications of the test's findings? All this and more you will find in the following article.
The following article contains the key details and information on measuring ear pressure:
Ear pressure measurement
A tool known as a tympanometer measures ear pressure through a procedure known as tympanometry, which measures air pressure in the middle ear, which is behind the eardrum and is made up of an air-filled cavity, numerous small bones that aid in the hearing process, and the Eustachian tube.
Tympanometry provides not only a measurement of ear pressure but also useful quantitative information on the presence of any fluid in the middle ear , the movement of the middle ear system, as well as the size of the ear canal.
This test is a measure that helps evaluate the proper functioning of the middle ear. Since the tympanic membrane reacts to pressure changes, this test aims to ascertain its health and movement. Following the examination, the doctor logs the findings on a tympanogram chart.
In actuality, there are no risks or issues related to the ear pressure test; it is completely safe.
Mechanism for measuring ear pressure with a tympanometer
The audiologist puts a probe or a small probe similar to earphones in the patient’s ears, then a small device connected to the probe pumps air into the ears, after which a diagram of the eardrum appears on the device that the specialist monitors, so he can then determine how the eardrum moves and detect the presence of Perforations, or the presence of wax in the ear canal, can also detect an ear infection.
Do not move, speak, or swallow during this test. Because this may lead to an inaccurate result, but do not worry, this examination does not last more than two minutes for both ears, and it is performed inside the doctor’s office.
Tympanometry test results
The results of the tympanometry test may be normal or abnormal, and for both cases there are several interpretations, meanings and reasons as follows:
1. Natural results
Normal air pressure in the middle ear ranges between +50 and -200 dePascal for both children and adults. The tympanometry test's normal results show the following:
- No fluid in the middle ear.
- There are no issues with how the eardrum moves; it does so normally.
- The presence of normal air pressure in the middle ear.
- Ossicles move normally and are responsible for conducting sound and hearing.
2. Abnormal results
Abnormal results of a tympanometry test may indicate the following:
- Presence of fluid in the middle ear.
- A perforation of the eardrum or tympanic membrane.
- eardrum damage brought on by recurrent ear infections.
- the middle ear experiencing elevated pressure above normal.
- The eardrum is blocked by accumulated wax.
- Lack of movement of the auditory ossicles in the middle ear or the presence of other problems in it.
What after the tympanic test?
In reality, tympanometry is a test that only looks for indications of middle ear issues, such as high middle ear pressure. The most common cause of abnormal results is fluid in the middle ear, but additional tests may be required. To diagnose other ear -related conditions .
If the results remain abnormal for a long time and continuously, you may need other tests.