Training in Wideband Tympanometry
Wideband acoustic reflexes
Description
Summary of: Schairer, K. S., Feeney, M. P., & Sanford, C. A. (2013). Acoustic reflex measurement. Ear and hearing, 34 Suppl 1, 43S–47S. https://doi.org/10.1097/AUD.0b013e31829c70d9
Measurement of the middle ear muscle reflex (MEMR) is an integral part of standard clinical audiology practice and provides important information regarding the differential diagnosis of cochlear and retrocochlear pathologies. Measurement of MEMR depends on an immittance platform and typically utilizes the change in admittance for a probe stimulus at a single stimulus frequency. This article summarizes the limitations of measuring MEMRs for a single-frequency probe and discusses the use of a wideband tympanometry procedure as an alternative. The use of wideband reflexes are advantageous over single-frequency reflex tests for several reasons. Namely, 1) that the MEMR can be identified across a wider range of frequencies and is thus less sensitive to maturational effects, and 2) that the MEMR can be measured at lower thresholds, which allows for MEMR decay tests to be run at levels that would otherwise be precluded in single-frequency tests. Detection of wideband tympanometry MEMRs can be automated and objective, and thus well-suited for use in screening programs operated by non-audiologists. The Titan offers wideband tympanometry, and although not yet available, is well positioned to apply this technology for MEMR measurement in the future.
