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Rhythmic Wave Patterns on Ambient Pressure Tympanometry in Patients With Objective Tinnitus-associated Pathologies
Zahra N Sayyid1, Anthony Thai1, Austin Swanson1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
Summary
Ambient pressure tympanometry (APT) can detect rhythmic wave patterns linked to objective tinnitus causes. This accessible test shows promise for screening various temporal bone pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Objective tinnitus can stem from various underlying pathologies.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce ambient pressure tympanometry (APT) as a diagnostic tool.
- To explore the association between APT findings and pathologies causing objective tinnitus.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series was conducted at a tertiary referral center.
- Audiologists performed APT on adult patients during routine audiological testing.
- Conditions were verified using computed tomography (CT) and physical examinations, excluding cases with tympanic membrane compliance issues.
Main Results:
- Of 67 ears with radiographic findings linked to objective tinnitus, 45 (67%) showed rhythmic APT wave patterns.
- Identified pathologies included semicircular canal dehiscence, sigmoid sinus dehiscence, internal carotid artery dehiscence, glomus tumors, encephalocele, myoclonus, and patulous Eustachian tube (PET).
- In a subset with objective tinnitus symptoms, 91% of those with rhythmic waves had confirmed radiographic findings.
Conclusions:
- Rhythmic APT wave patterns are frequently observed in ears with temporal bone pathologies causing objective tinnitus.
- APT is a simple, rapid, and widely available tool.
- Further research is warranted to establish APT's screening value for these otologic conditions.
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