How does 226Hz tympanogram change at higher frequencies?

Introduction – Objective Multilpe-frequency tympanometry is nowadays most commonly used in order to estimate resonant frequency of the middle ear. The most frequently used method is the sweep-frequency one. However, how does a single 226Hz tympanogram change at higher frequencies? The aim of this paper is to try to give an answer to this question.

Method Seventy one patients and consequently 142 ears are included in this paper. After 226Hz tympanometry independent tympanometry at 678, 800 and 1000Hz was performed.

Conclusions Type A 226Hz tympanograms were observed in 74 ears, and they remained type A at all 3 examined higher frequencies. Type B 226Hz tympanograms were observed in 31 ears, which remained type B in 27 ears at 678Hz, in 26 ears at 800Hz and in 27 ears at 1000Hz. All other type B 226Hz tympanograms changed into type C at higher frequencies, except 2 ears that turned into 2 type A with ear pressure above 100daPa at 678Hz, 1 type A and 1 type A with ear pressure above 100daPa at 800Hz and 2 type A at 1000Hz. Type C 226Hz tympanograms were observed in 37 ears, which remained type C in 34 ears at 678Hz, in 31 ears at 800Hz and in 32 ears at 1000Hz. At 678Hz 3 type C 226Hz tympanograms turned into type B. At 800Hz 6 type C 226Hz tympanograms turned into 4 type B and 2 type A. At 1000Hz 5 type C 226Hz tympanograms turned into 4 type B and 1 type A.

Conclusion Type A 226Hz tympanograms do not change at higher frequencies. The other types do change and have to be examined if available.

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020