Tympanometry measures how the eardrum and middle-ear system respond to pressure. It does not replace hearing-threshold audiometry or establish a diagnosis alone.
A soft probe sits in the canal while pressure changes briefly; fullness may be felt. A type B result is interpreted with canal volume, the eardrum and audiogram. Fluid, perforation or a tube can produce different findings. A flat trace alone does not indicate surgery. Children need an age-appropriate method and consideration of hearing and speech development.
The ear canal and eardrum are examined; hearing tests and tympanometry may be needed. Do not insert cotton buds or other objects. If you have a perforation, a tube or previous ear surgery, a clinician should choose drops or irrigation.
Sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear or rapidly worsening pain require urgent assessment.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment