Comparison of Wideband Tympanometry Measurements with Conventional Tympanogram Measurements in Normal Hearing Adults

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the results of 226 and 1000 Hertz (Hz) tympanograms obtained from wideband tympanometry (WBT) and conventional tympanometry. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on healthy individuals without any otological complaints. Each participant received pure tone audiometry, otoacoustic emission testing, conventional 226 Hz and 1000 Hz tympanometry and WBT. Tympanometric peak pressure, middle ear compliance, and ear canal volumes (Vol) were measured for each ear. The results of these parameters obtained from the two devices were evaluated separately for the right and left ears and compared statistically. Results: The study included 62 healthy individuals (124 ears) aged 18-40 years. In terms of tympanometric peak pressure, the results were similar at 226 Hz but different at 1000 Hz. For compliance, the results were similar at 1000 Hz but different at 226 Hz. The measurement results of both devices for ear canal volume at both 226 Hz and 1000 Hz were statistically similar. Conclusion: It was noted that there were frequency based differences in tympanometric peak pressure and compliance measurements between WBT and conventional tympanometry. Although WBT has several advantages over conventional tympanometry, the results of this study suggest that more normative data should be collected from different ethnicities and age groups for its widespread use.