Tympanometry is well-established means of assessing the presence of fluid in the middle ear. Type B tympanogram is, usually, considered a unique entity. However, its shape may vary from a rounded type B with a "pseudopeak" to a completely flat response. The aim of this study was to compare type B tympanogram curve (maximum admittance, tympanometric peak pressure, and area under the curve) with the viscosity of the middle ear fluid and with the airbone gap (ABG). A total of 93 ears of 67 children were examined. The children underwent ventilation tube insertion. No correlation was found between the viscosity of the middle ear fluid and B tympanogram curve values. However, these values varied between a low ABG (0 to 20 dB) and a high ABG (>20 dB). A statistical difference was established for the three parameters (maximum admittance, p<0.0025; pressure, p<0.025, and area under the curve, p<0.0005). Ti was concluded that tympanometry may be used as an objective measure to estimate the extent of conductive hearing loss, especially in infants and young children.
Scripta Scientifica Medica 2012; 44(2): 83-84.
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