The use of tympanometry in predicting otitic barotrauma

Static acoustic impedance tympanometry was used to examine 80 subjects prior to and after exposure to decreased ambient pressure in a hypobaric chamber. The predictive value of tympanometry in detecting those individuals likely to suffer from otitic barotrauma (aerotitis media) was evaluated. The results suggest that testing prior to altitude exposure is of no value in identifying those individuals who will suffer from otitic barotrauma during flight. Tympanometry however proved a useful tool in confirming the presence of barotrauma following flight, but it was no more useful than taking a history and performing an ear examination.