Audiometry and Tympanometry
Audiometry and tympanometry are two important tests used to assess hearing and middle ear function. Audiometry is a test to measure a person's hearing ability. During this test, sounds of various frequencies and intensity levels are sent into the ear and it is determined whether the patient can hear these sounds.
Audiometry helps to determine the degree and type of hearing loss. Tympanometry is a test used to assess the function of the middle ear and eardrum. During this test, air pressure is applied to the ear canal and how the eardrum responds to this pressure is measured. Tympanometry helps detect problems such as fluid buildup in the middle ear, eardrum perforation, middle ear infections and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Both tests play a critical role in diagnosing ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases and are used to identify the causes of hearing problems.
Things to Know After Audiometry and Tympanometry Tests
After audiometry and tympanometry tests, no special care is usually required and patients can return to their daily activities immediately. As these tests are non-invasive, there is no pain or discomfort during or after the test. Hearing or not hearing the sounds presented during the audiometry test plays an important role in analyzing the test results and your doctor will provide information about your hearing health based on these results. The pressure changes applied during the tympanometry test may cause a slight feeling of discomfort in some patients, but this is usually short-lived and insignificant. Based on the test results, your doctor may recommend appropriate treatment options, such as hearing aids, medication or surgery. To maintain your hearing health, it is important to have regular hearing tests and follow the advice of your ENT specialist. If the test results show any hearing loss or middle ear problems, you and your doctor should take steps to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.