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Tympanometry as a screening test for treatable hearing loss in the elderly
J E Davies1, D G John, A H Jones
1Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital, Wales, Cardiff.
British Journal of Audiology
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Tympanometry can effectively screen for treatable ear conditions in adults with hearing loss. A normal tympanogram suggests no significant middle ear pathology, allowing for hearing aid fitting without specialist examination.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Hearing loss is prevalent in adults.
- Aural pathology can contribute to hearing loss.
- Efficient screening methods are needed for early detection and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate tympanometry as a screening tool for identifying treatable aural pathology in adults with hearing loss.
- To compare tympanometry results with otoscopic findings.
Main Methods:
- One hundred and fourteen adults with hearing loss (but no otorrhoea) underwent tympanometry.
- Tympanometry results were compared against independent otoscopic examinations.
Main Results:
- No significant middle ear pathology was detected in ears with normal tympanograms.
- All ears with significant pathology exhibited abnormal tympanograms.
- A false positive rate of 6.8% was observed with tympanometry.
Conclusions:
- Tympanometry is a reliable screening method for detecting significant aural pathology in adults with hearing loss.
- Elderly patients with dry ears and normal tympanograms may receive hearing aids without prior otological assessment.
- This approach can streamline the hearing aid fitting process and reduce unnecessary specialist referrals.