Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Step-by-Step Stapedotomy through Transcanal Exclusive Endoscopic Approach
Published on: March 5, 2022
Tympanometric measures in ears with negative middle ear pressure, and tests of some common assumptions
Xiao-Ming Sun1, Mark D Shaver, Jason Harader
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260–0075, USA. xiao-ming.sun@wichita.edu
Objective:
To test the assumptions concerning the compensation of middle ear pressure (MEP) in using peak Y(tm) and the tympanogram asymmetry phenomenon, and to address the variability and reliability of 226 Hz tympanometry under negative MEP.
Design:
(1) Repeated measures in normal ears with experimentally-induced negative MEP; (2) Retrospective analysis of clinical data from ears with negative MEP.
Study Sample:
Experimental data: 57 adult ears.
Clinical Data:
200 adult ears.
Results:
Mean peak Y(tm) significantly increased (˜ 0.10 mmhos) under negative MEPs (> - 190 daPa). TW increased, up to ˜50 daPa, for MEP ≤ - 130 daPa. V(ea) decreased when MEP ≤ - 190 daPa. With increasing negative MEP, peak Y(tm) and tympanogram gradient tended to decrease. The within-subject variation of all measures and difference between normal and negative MEP were small.
Conclusions:
The tympanometry procedure increases peak Y(tm )in ears with low to moderate negative MEP, and decreases gradient and V(ea) with high negative MEP. This is referred to as hypercorrection of the admittance and should be accounted for in clinical norms. Results imply that tympanogram asymmetry is due to divergent effects of air pressure on the middle ear. The variability of tympanometry does not increase and reliability not decrease under negative MEP.
More Related Videos
07:06Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy (Retrograde Mastoidectomy) using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique
Published on: May 23, 2021
14:05Behavioral 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
Related Concept Videos
Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Anatomy of the Ear
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract III: Percussion
Percussion in Respiratory Assessment
Percussion evaluates underlying tissue composition with audible and tactile vibrations,...
Sound as Pressure Waves
The pressure fluctuation depends on the difference in displacements between the successive points in the...