Tympanometry and Middle Ear Pathologies

Practice flashcards covering tympanometric measurements, middle ear pathologies, and Jerger tympanogram classifications.

Tympanometric Peak Pressure (TPP)

The location of the tympanogram peak on the pressure gradient (x-axis) used to estimate middle ear (ME) pressure and evaluate how the Eustachian tube is functioning.

Otitis Media

Inflammation of the middle ear lining; technically distinct from effusion, though the terms are often used together.

Serous Effusion

A noninfectious, clear fluid build-up in the middle ear space typically characterized by a lack of outward signs like fever but results in longstanding conductive components.

Suppurative Effusion

An infectious middle ear effusion where the ear pulls fluid from the lining until it becomes pus; common signs include fever, lack of appetite, and irritability.

TPP Norms (Adults > 10 years)

The normal clinical range for tympanometric peak pressure in adults is $-105\text{ to } +5\,daPa$.

TPP Norms (Children 9 months to 10 years)

The normal clinical range for tympanometric peak pressure in children is $-75\text{ to } +25\,daPa$.

Peak Compensated Static Acoustic Admittance ($Y_{TM}$)

A measurement calculated by taking the highest point of acoustic admittance on the y-axis and subtracting the ear canal volume ($\text{Peak } y - \text{Ear Canal Volume} = Y_{TM}$).

$Y_{TM}$ Norms (Adults > 10 years)

The normal range for peak compensated static acoustic admittance in adults is $0.30\text{ to } 1.70\,cm^3$.

Jerger Tympanogram Types

A qualitative categorization system for tympanograms based on peak height and pressure, originally designed for $220\,Hz$ probe tones but widely used with current $226\,Hz$ probes.

Type A Tympanogram

Indicates normal middle ear function with acoustic immittance ($Z_a$) between $0.3\text{ to } 1.4\,mmhos$ and pressure between $-100\text{ to } +100\,daPa$.

Type AS Tympanogram

A sub-type of Type A where the 's' stands for stiff; pressure remains normal but admittance is < 0.3\,mmhos, suggesting the TM doesn't move easily due to conditions like ossicular chain fixation.

Type AD Tympanogram

A sub-type of Type A where the 'd' stands for flaccid or deep; pressure is normal but admittance is > 1.4\,mmhos, indicating the TM is too loose which may signpost ossicular chain disarticulation.

Type C Tympanogram

A tympanogram indicating Eustachian tube dysfunction; defined by normal height ($0.3\text{ to } 1.4\,mmhos$) but significantly negative pressure (< -100\,daPa).

Type B Tympanogram

A flat tympanogram with no peak, which can be caused by middle ear effusion, a tympanic membrane perforation, or probe occlusion.

Cholesteatoma

A buildup of dead cells and infectious fluid in the middle ear that can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness.