Clinical Applications of Wideband Tympanometry / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Conventional impedance audiometry uses only specific tympanometric frequencies (e.g., 226 Hz) and cannot test above 1500 Hz. As many hearing frequencies must be evaluated when diagnosing middle ear pathologies, wideband clicks stimulating tympanometric receptors from 226 to 8000 Hz are commonly delivered. Since wideband tympanometry (WBT) was introduced in 1993, several studies have explored its clinical utility. WBT yields information on absorbances at various frequencies and pressures. Recently, WBT has become increasingly used to diagnose and monitor the hearing of newborns and patients with otosclerosis, ossicular chain disruptions, tympanic perforations, superior semicanal dehiscence syndrome, and middle ear effusions. WBT is also employed for pre/postoperative monitoring using non-pressurized wideband absorbance. Here, we review the concept of WBT, the basic mechanism, and the clinical applications.