tympanometry


tympanometry

 [tim″pah-nom´ĕ-tre] indirect measurement of the compliance (mobility) and impedance of the tympanic membrane and ossicles of the middle ear; it is done by subjecting the external acoustic meatus to positive, normal, and negative air pressure and monitoring the resultant sound energy flow. See also tympanogram (def. 2).

tym·pa·nom·et·ry

(tim'pă-nom'ĕ-trē), A technique that measures immittance of the middle ear at various levels of air pressure; helpful in the diagnosis of middle ear effusion, eustachian tube function, and otitis media.

tym·pa·nom·et·ry

(tim'pă-nom'ĕ-trē) Measurement of the pressure compliance function of the eardrum using an immitance instrument (e.g., an audiometer).

tympanometry

Measurement of the air pressure in the middle ear and of the stiffness of movement of the eardrum and the AUDITORY OSSICLES. Tympanometry may be used as part of the assessment of hearing defect.