Tympanometry in neonates with normal otoacoustic emissions: measurements and interpretation

• Published in: Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology Vol. 73; no. 5; pp. 633 - 639
• Main Authors: de Arruda Lyra e Silva, Kilza, de Albuquerque C.C. Novaes, Beatriz, Lewis, Dóris Ruthi, Carvallo, Renata Mota Mamede
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Elsevier Editora Ltda 01-09-2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acoustic Impedance Tests - methods; Acoustic Stimulation - methods; Ear, Middle - physiology; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; middle ear; Neonatal Screening - methods; neonates; Original; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous - physiology; Prospective Studies; Reference Values; tympanometry; middle ear; neonates; tympanometry
• ISSN: 1808-8694; 1808-8686
• DOI: 10.1016/S1808-8694(15)30123-3

Tympanometry is used in evaluating middle ear functional conditions. Before six months of age its results may be misleading. High frequency studies aim to provide more valid procedures. Aim: To describe and discuss tympanometric measurements and the interpretation in normal hearing neonates at 226, 678 and 1000Hz. Method: 110 neonates that were analyzed had normal otoacoustic emissions and no risk for hearing impairment. The age range was 6 to 30 days. Curves were obtained using the GSI-33-II, at the “Divisão de Educação e Reabilitação dos Distúrbios da Comunicação”, São Paulo, in 2004. Study design: Clinical prospective. Results: There was a balance between single and double peak curves at 226Hz. Most of the curves were asymmetric at 678Hz, and single-peaked at 1000Hz. quantitative measurements showed a significant gender difference in the Equivalent Ear Canal Volume at 226Hz and on the Peak Compensated Static Acoustic Admittance at 1000Hz. The English protocol showed that almost 100% of ears were normal at 678 and 1000Hz. Conclusion: 1000Hz yielded superior results for characterizing normality. The English protocol was efficient to reduce the variability of tympanometric measurements. Data from this study may be used as a guide for diagnosis using tympanometry in neonates.