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A Low Cost Setup for Behavioral Audiometry in Rodents
Published on: October 16, 2012
Normative data of multifrequency tympanometry in rabbits.
Martin Stieve1, Hans Hedrich, Hamidreza Mojallal
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, Hannover, Germany. stieve.martin@mh-hannover.de
Laboratory Animals
|July 16, 2008
Summary
This study establishes crucial normative acoustic immittance data in rabbits using conventional and multifrequency tympanometry. These findings provide essential reference values for future experimental research involving rabbits.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Acoustic immittance measurements are vital for assessing middle ear function.
- Establishing normative data in animal models is essential for reliable experimental outcomes.
- Rabbits are frequently used animal models in otological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally evaluate acoustic immittance in rabbits.
- To establish normative values for conventional 226 Hz tympanometry and multifrequency tympanometry (MFT) in rabbits.
- To provide a basis for future experimental investigations using rabbits as a model.
Main Methods:
- Bilateral acoustic immittance measurements were performed on 33 female New Zealand rabbits under general anesthesia.
- Conventional 226 Hz tympanometry involved an air pressure sweep from +200 to -400 daPa.
- Multifrequency tympanometry (MFT) was conducted over a frequency range of 250 to 2000 Hz.
Main Results:
- The acoustic impedance device yielded reproducible and evaluable tympanograms.
- A 226 Hz tone frequency was found to be particularly suitable for determining compliance.
- The resonance frequency was determined to be 1368 ± 205 SD (right) and 1413 ± 216 SD (left).
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first experimental evaluation of conventional and multifrequency tympanometry in rabbits.
- The obtained physiological acoustic immittance values serve as valuable normative data for rabbits.
- These normative data will support future experimental animal studies in otology.

