Diagnostics
Middle Ear Testing
Middle Ear Testing
These tests are used to check middle ear function. A common cause of hearing loss is middle ear dysfunction. Problems such as fluid in the middle ear, a hole in the eardrum, or problems with the small bones in the middle ear can result in conductive hearing loss that generally can be treated medically or surgically. To obtain a tympanogram, a small earphone is placed in the ear canal and eardrum movement is measured in response to small changes in air pressure. The acoustic reflex test checks the function of a small muscle in the middle ear.