Effects of Frequency, Rate, and Direction of Stimuli on Tympanometric Measures

Kim, Jin Sook

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Commun Sci Disord. 2003;8(2): 179-195.

Jin Sook Kim^`

김진숙(Jin Sook Kim)

ABSTRACT

The effects of frequency(226Hz and 678Hz), rate(12.5, 50.0, 200.0 daPa/sec), and direction (ascending and descending) of ear-canal pressure changes on three tympanometric measures(ear canal volume, compliance, and tympanometric peak pressure) were studied in 40 adults(20 females and 20 males) with normal middle-ear transmission system. Admittance, susceptance, and conductance for the 12 conditions were obtained using a Grason-Stadler, Inc.(GSI) TympStar Version 1 Middle Ear Analyzer. Ear canal volume was significantly larger with the descending and 678Hz, but it did not change with the different rates. At 678Hz the ascending direction was recorded with less variables. The compliance was significantly larger with the ascending and 678Hz, but it was not changed by the different rates. At 678Hz the descending direction was recorded with less variables. Both ear canal volume and compliance were recorded stably at 226Hz. Fianlly, the difference in peak pressure for the two directions of pressure change increased with the rate and direction. The tympanometric peak pressure became more positive with the ascending direction and 678Hz. As the rates became higher the tympanometric peak pressure showed much variables. With 678Hz the susceptance and conductance tympanogram recorded notched shapes. Since the examination of the notch at high frequency tympanometry width is especially valuable tool for middle ear diagnosis, further studies on this subject are advisable.