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Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
Survey of audiological immittance practices
Diana C Emanuel1, Olivia E C Henson, Rita R Knapp
1Towson University, Towson, MD, USA. demanuel@towson.edu
American Journal of Audiology
|February 23, 2012
Summary
Immittance audiometry, including tympanometry and acoustic reflex (AR) testing, remains popular. However, multifrequency (MF) and multicomponent (MC) tympanometry are underused due to equipment and training limitations, and AR testing can cause discomfort.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Diagnostic audiology
- Immittance audiometry
Background:
- Tympanometry and acoustic reflex (AR) testing are standard audiological assessments.
- Multifrequency (MF) and multicomponent (MC) tympanometry offer advanced diagnostic capabilities but have seen limited adoption.
- Understanding current practices and patient responses is crucial for optimizing audiological testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate contemporary immittance audiometry practices and historical trends.
- To identify barriers to the underutilization of MF and MC tympanometry.
- To determine the frequency of adverse patient reactions to AR testing.
Main Methods:
- Two nationwide audiological practice surveys were conducted.
- The first survey (2008, n=156) focused on tympanometry practices.
- The second survey (2009, n=90) focused on AR testing protocols.
Main Results:
- Tympanometry and AR threshold (ART) testing are widely performed.
- MF and MC tympanometry are rarely utilized, primarily due to lack of equipment and training.
- Discomfort is a common patient complaint following AR testing, with rare reports of tinnitus or hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- Tympanometry and ART testing maintain popularity, while acoustic reflex decay (ARD) testing has declined.
- Infrequent use of MF and MC tympanometry persists.
- AR testing is frequently linked to patient discomfort, with rare instances of more severe symptoms like permanent tinnitus and hearing loss reported.
