Impedance Hearing Test _{hearing-aid-trial, hearing-loss, impedance-hearing-test, hearing-aid, digital-hearing-aid, widex-hearing-aid, widex-bd, Widex-Hearing-Center,}

An impedance hearing test, also known as tympanometry, is a diagnostic test used to assess the condition of the middle ear and the mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the middle ear bones. It helps evaluate how well sound travels through the middle ear and can provide information about ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, and other conditions affecting hearing.

Here’s a general overview of how the test is performed:

Preparation: The patient sits comfortably, and a small probe is placed in the ear canal. This probe contains a speaker, a microphone, and an air pump.

Measurement: The probe emits a series of sounds while varying the air pressure in the ear canal. The microphone measures how the eardrum responds to these changes in pressure.

Analysis: The test evaluates the eardrum’s mobility and the middle ear's pressure. The results are usually displayed on a graph called a tympanogram. The shape of the tympanogram can indicate different conditions:

Type A: Indicates normal middle ear function.

Type B: Suggests fluid in the middle ear or a perforated eardrum.

Type C: Points to negative pressure in the middle ear, often due to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Follow-Up: Based on the results, further diagnostic tests or treatments may be recommended, such as audiometry (hearing tests) or medical evaluation.

The test is quick, non-invasive, and usually well-tolerated, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing ear-related issues.