Tympanometry, also known as a test of the middle ear, is designed to determine how well the eardrum is functioning. A healthy eardrum will allow sound to pass through it unimpeded. A tympanometry test detects problems such as fluid behind the eardrum, perforated eardrum and abnormal movement of the eardrum.
Tympanometry involves plugging the ear and slowly increasing the air pressure in the ear canal in order to measure the response of the eardrum. Acoustics Reflex - Presenting a loud sound to the patient through an ear canal probe provides a protective reflex of the Stapedius muscle; this contraction results in an increased impedance which the probe records as decreased compliance. This test can be used to confirm the results of a full battery of hearing assessments.