Physiological tests Tymp OAE ppt

Tympanometry

A test that assesses the status of the middle ear by measuring ear admittance based on how well sound waves are transmitted through it.

Admittance

Describes how easily energy (sound) passes through the middle ear; related to the flexibility of the middle ear.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

Faint sounds generated by the cochlea, specifically outer hair cells, which can indicate cochlear health.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

A test that assesses auditory neural responses up to the brainstem, indicating the health of auditory pathways.

Impedance

The measure of resistance through the middle ear, the reciprocal of admittance.

Type A Tympanogram

A normal tympanogram indicating normal middle ear function with a typical peak shape.

Type B Tympanogram

A flat tympanogram indicating the presence of fluid in the middle ear, such as in otitis media.

Type C Tympanogram

A tympanogram indicative of Eustachian tube dysfunction, shown by a peak at negative pressure.

Acoustic Reflex

An involuntary muscle contraction in the middle ear in response to loud sounds or vocalization, protecting the inner ear.

Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE)

Sounds produced in the cochlea when two similar-frequency tones are presented, indicating cochlear function.

Probe Insertion

The process of placing a specialized device in the ear canal for tympanometry to assess middle ear function.

Eustachian Tube

A tube that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, essential for equalizing pressure in the middle ear.

Otoscopic Inspection

The visual examination of the external ear canal, a crucial step before conducting tympanometric tests.

Muscle Reflex

The response of the middle ear muscles to sounds, crucial in assessing middle ear function and health.

Acoustic Reflex Threshold (ART)

The sound pressure level at which a sound stimulus triggers the acoustic reflex.

Ossicular Changes

Alterations in the bones of the middle ear that affect the transfer of sound vibrations, important in tympanometry.

Tympanometric Peak Pressure (TPP)

The pressure at which the maximum admittance occurs in a tympanogram, typically around 0 daPa.

Tympanometric Static Admittance (TSA)

The measurement of the middle ear's contribution to the total sound energy transmitted, shown in the tympanogram.

Otosclerosis

A condition where the ossicular chain becomes stiffer, affecting the transmission of sound and visible as a type Ad tympanogram.

Fluid in the Middle Ear

The presence of fluid in the middle ear space, indicated by a flat tympanogram characteristic (Type B).

Tympanometric Width

The width measurement in a tympanogram that indicates the peak's sharpness; smaller widths reflect sharper peaks.

Cochlear Loss

Hearing loss due to damage in the cochlea, affecting the ability to produce otoacoustic emissions.

Middle Ear Pathologies

Conditions affecting the middle ear that can alter measurements of admittance and impact hearing.