Visit one of Our Convenient Locations

1160 Park Ave W. Suite 4 S. Highland Park IL 60035 (847) 737-4270

Route 83 & Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Suite 103 Long Grove, IL 60047

Phone: (847) 737-7544

Website: www. NSAVL.com Blog: www.Hearing-Aids-Highland-Park.com

Call Us: (847) 737-4270

Six Things You Should Know About Tympanometry

What Is Tympanometry?

When you see your Audiologist for a hearing evaluation,

several tests will be conducted in order to determine the

nature of the hearing loss. Tympanometry is a test used to

detect abnormalities occurring the middle ear.

What Happens During Tympanometry?

The first step in Tympanometry is to place a small, soft ear tip into your ear canal that

will change the air pressure in the canal. This will cause the eardrum to move back and

forth and a machine will record the movement of the eardrum.

What Do I Need To Do During Tympanometry?

Tympanometry is really very simple. You can help your Audiologist get good results by

not speaking, chewing or swallowing during the test. If you do, it’s not a problem but

the best results are obtained when there is little to no movement by the person being

tested.

What Will I Feel During Testing?

Tympanometry is not uncomfortable and should not cause any pain. It may feel a little

strange to have the soft ear bud in the ear and the change in air pressure is noticeable,

but not any more noticeable than an air pressure change in an airplane. You may also

hear a soft tone in your ear during testing.

Visit one of Our Convenient Locations

1160 Park Ave W. Suite 4 S. Highland Park IL 60035 (847) 737-4270

Route 83 & Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Suite 103 Long Grove, IL 60047

Phone: (847) 737-7544

Website: www. NSAVL.com Blog: www.Hearing-Aids-Highland-Park.com

Call Us: (847) 737-4270

Why Is Tympanometry Performed?

Tympanometry tells your Audiologist about the health of the middle ear system. The

middle ear is composed of the three smallest bones in the body; malleus, incus and

stapes, some very small muscles and the Eustachian tube; the tube that runs from

behind the eardrum down the back of the throat. If something is not allowing the bones

to move, hearing loss can occur. Tympanometry is performed to rule out middle ear

involvement in hearing loss.

What If My Tympanometry Results are Abnormal?

Tympanometry results that are abnormal can mean many different things. Your

Audiologist will use the tympanometry results as one part of the diagnostic test battery

in determining the etiology of hearing loss and what the next best step is. Do not be

alarmed if you have abnormal test results. It simply means more testing is needed. If

you have a concern, talk to your Audiologist about it. He or she will be happy to answer

any questions you might have.