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Published on: January 23, 2017
Normative multifrequency tympanometry in infants and toddlers
Lauren Calandruccio1, Tracy S Fitzgerald, Beth A Prieve
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Institute for Sensory Research, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA. lcalandr@syr.edu
Multifrequency tympanometry reveals distinct middle ear patterns in infants and toddlers compared to adults. Middle ear admittance increases with age, offering a clinical guide for assessing infant tympanometric values.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Otoacoustic emissions
- Middle ear acoustics
Background:
- Multifrequency tympanometry is crucial for assessing middle ear function in diverse age groups.
- Understanding age-specific tympanometric patterns is essential for accurate diagnosis.
- Previous research has indicated potential differences in middle ear characteristics between infants and adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare multifrequency tympanometry patterns between infants/toddlers and adults.
- To establish normative data for middle ear admittance in young children.
- To investigate the relationship between age and tympanometric measures.
Main Methods:
- Measured multifrequency tympanometry (226-1000 Hz) in 33 infants/toddlers (4 weeks to 2 years) and 33 adults.
- Classified tympanograms using the Vanhuyse et al model.
- Calculated admittance at +200 daPa (Y200) and middle ear admittance (Y(ME)).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in Vanhuyse et al patterns were observed between infants/toddlers and adults, particularly at younger ages.
- Both Y(ME) and Y200 increased with age in the infant/toddler group.
- Infant/toddler Y(ME) and Y200 values were significantly lower than adult values across all tested frequencies.
Conclusions:
- Multifrequency tympanometry reveals age-dependent changes in middle ear function.
- Established normative data can aid in the clinical assessment of middle ear status in infants and toddlers.
- These findings provide a valuable reference for pediatric audiological evaluations.
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