Tympanometry Test: Purpose, Process & Result Types

How Tympanometry Test works

• During the test, a small, soft device (probe) is gently placed into your ear. 
• It changes the air pressure in your ear canal. This is like the feeling when your ears “pop” on a plane. 
• At the same time, it sends out a small sound and measures how your eardrum moves in response to that pressure. 
• The reflected sound is recorded by the probe/tympanometer.
• The results are shown on a graph (tympanogram).

If your eardrum moves normally, that’s a good sign that your middle ear function is healthy. But if it doesn’t move as expected, it could mean:

• There’s fluid behind the eardrum.
• You have an ear infection.
• The eustachian tube isn’t working properly.
• There’s a perforation in the eardrum.

The test takes a couple of minutes and is widely applied to both children and adults. It is particularly useful in kids with frequent ear infections or in diagnosing adults' hearing problems. 

This is how tympanometry detects hidden ear problems before they worsen. The beauty of tympanometry is that it gives a clear insight into the condition of the middle ear, which is something that regular hearing tests are not always able to do. This helps the doctor to decide what to do next: medication, more testing, or perhaps surgical intervention.

When and Why You Need a Tympanometry Test

Chronic or Recurrent Ear Infections

This is especially common in children, as their eustachian tubes are still developing and can get blocked easily.

Unexplained Hearing Loss

If you’ve noticed a drop in your hearing that doesn’t improve, tympanometry helps identify whether it’s caused by a problem in the middle ear (conductive hearing loss). It’s useful for detecting conditions like fluid accumulation, ear drum issues, or ossicle dysfunction.

Ear Fullness or Pressure

Feeling like your ears are “blocked” or experiencing discomfort during flights or altitude changes? Tympanometry can help diagnose eustachian tube dysfunction, a condition that affects how your ear regulates pressure.

Monitoring Middle Ear Disorders

For people being treated for middle ear infections or undergoing surgery (like ear tube placement), tympanometry is used to track recovery and ear health.

Tympanometry Results: How to Interpret Your Readings

A tympanogram shows the results of this test. It shows how your eardrum responds to pressure changes. There are three main tympanogram types: Type A, Type B, and Type C.

Understanding Tympanometry Results

Type A Tympanogram
This is the ideal result. It means the ear drum moves normally, with no fluid or pressure issues. Most people with Type A have no hearing-related problems from the middle ear.

Type B Tympanogram
This shows little to no movement of the eardrum. It often points to fluid buildup, a middle ear infection, or a hole in the eardrum. It’s common in children with chronic infections.

Type C Tympanogram
This indicates negative pressure in the middle ear. It’s often caused by a blocked eustachian tube, possibly from allergies, colds, or sinus infections.

What Should You Do Next?

If your results aren’t Type A, your doctor may recommend follow-up testing, treatment, or refer you to an ENT.