The effects of sedation on the impedance test battery

Fifteen adults, hospitalized for fiberoptic endoscopy studies, were tested under two conditions using impedance audiometry. The first series of tests was conducted prior to the fiberoptic studies and sedation; the second immediately following examination, approximately 20 minutes after sedation with diazepam (Valium) and meperidine (Demerol) hydrochloride. Sedation with diazepam and meperidine failed to have a significant effect on tympanometry, static compliance, or differential loudness. These drugs were therefore considered effective sedatives for conducting impedance studies on difficult-to-test patients. This procedure is not recommended as a routine procedure and should be done only as a last resort.