Tympanometry

Tympanometry is an examination used to test the condition of the middle earand mobility of the eardrum(tympanic membrane) and the conduction bones, by creating variations of air pressurein the ear canal.

After an otoscopy(examination of the ear with an otoscope) to ensure that the path to the eardrum is clear and that it isn't perforated, the test is performed by inserting a device in the ear canal that will change the pressure in the ear, produce a pure tone, and measure the eardrum responses to the sound and different pressures. Results are shown in a curve called: Tympanogram.

Type A tympanogram is considered normal, that means that there is a normal pressure in the middle ear with normal mobility of the eardrum and the conduction bones. Type B or C tympanograms may reveal fluid in the middle ear, scarring of the tympanic membrane, lack of contact between the conduction bones of the middle ear or a tumor in the middle ear.

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanometry Wikipedia article Tympanometry.