Analysis of wideband tympanometry in Ménière's disease / Análise da timpanometria de banda larga na doença de Ménière

Abstract Introduction: Endolymphatic hydrops is the pathophysiological substrate of Ménière's disease. The changes in the inner ear, transmitted to the middle ear through changes in the ossicular chain mobility, can be quantified by wideband tympanometry, through the measurement of the acoustic absorbance at multiple frequencies, represented by the sound energy absorbed by the middle ear, even at its early stages. Studying the behavior of the middle ear through the absorbance in patients with endolymphatic hydrops under ambient pressure and under peak pressure can be useful for detecting Ménière's disease. Objective: To characterize acoustic absorbance behavior in subjects with symptomatic and asymptomatic Ménière's disease compared to controls, in order to verify the ability of wideband tympanometry to detect Ménière's disease. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study with a diagnostic approach comparing the findings of wideband tympanometry at ambient pressure and peak pressure between the ears of the control group (n = 30), the asymptomatic group (n = 21) and the symptomatic group (n = 9). Results: Different peak pressure values were found between the ears of the control group (0daPa), the asymptomatic group (−11 daPa) and the symptomatic group (−192 daPa), with p < 0.05 by the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann Whitney test and Bonferroni correction. Different absorbance values were found between the ears of the symptomatic group and the asymptomatic group compared to the control group for low frequencies at ambient pressure and peak pressure, with p < 0.05 by the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann Whitney test and Bonferroni correction. Conclusions: The Wideband Tympanometry test was capable of identifying the presence of Ménières disease, and to differentiate between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, when comparing them with healthy individuals.

Resumo Introdução: A hidropsia endolinfática é o substrato fisiopatológico da doença de Ménière. As alterações desencadeadas na orelha interna, transmitidas à orelha média pelas modificações na mobilidade da cadeia ossicular, podem ser quantificadas pela timpanometria de banda larga, através da medida da absorvância acústica sob múltiplas frequências, representadas pela energia sonora absorvida pela orelha média, mesmo em estágios iniciais de sua instalação. Estudar o comportamento da orelha média através da absorvância em pacientes com hidropisia endolinfática sob pressão ambiente e sob o pico de pressão pode ser útil na detecção da doença de Ménière. Objetivo: Caracterizar o comportamento da absorvância em indivíduos com diagnóstico da doença de Ménière sintomáticos e assintomáticos, comparados com controles, a fim de verificar a capacidade da timpanometria de banda larga em detectar variações clínicas relacionadas a possível hidropisia endolinfática. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, com enfoque diagnóstico, que comparou os achados da timpanometria de banda larga na pressão ambiente e no pico de pressão entre orelhas do grupo controle (n = 30), grupo assintomático (n = 21) e grupo sintomático (n = 9). Resultados: Foram encontrados valores do pico de pressão diferentes entre orelhas do grupo controle (0 daPa), do grupo assintomático (-11 daPa) e do grupo sintomático (-192 daPa), com p <0,05 pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann Whitney e correção de Bonferroni. Foram encontrados valores de absorvância diferentes entre orelhas do grupo sintomático e do grupo assintomático em relação ao grupo controle para as frequências baixas na pressão ambiente e na pressão de pico, com p < 0,05 pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann Whitney e correção de Bonferroni. Conclusão: A timpanometria de banda larga foi um teste capaz de identificar a presença da doença de Ménière e de diferenciar os pacientes assintomáticos e sintomáticos, comparando-os com indivíduos hígidos.

Eustachian tube dysfunction in sleep apnea patients and improvements afforded by continuous positive airway pressure therapy / Disfunção da trompa de Eustáquio em pacientes com apneia do sono e melhoria proporcionada pela terapia com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas

Abstract Introduction Upper airway resistance may accompany eustachian dysfunction and alter middle ear pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Objective To investigate effects of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and continuous positive airway pressure treatment on eustachian tube functions. Methods Forty-two mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients, 45 moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients, 47 severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients with continuous positive airway pressure therapy, 32 severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients without continuous positive airway pressure therapy, and 88 individuals without sleep apnea (controls) were included. Tympanometric parameters of groups were compared. Results Right middle ear pressures in mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome groups did not differ significantly from that of control group (p = 0.93 and p = 0.55), as was also true of the left middle ear pressures (p = 0.94 and p = 0.86). Right middle ear pressure was significantly higher in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome groups than in the control group, as was the left middle ear pressure (p < 0.001). Middle ear pressure (negative) was significantly lower in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients with continuous positive airway pressure therapy compared to those without (p < 0.001). Right ear type B and C tympanogram frequencies were significantly higher in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome without continuous positive airway pressure therapy (12.4%) than in the controls (0%) (p = 0.02). Left ear type B or C tympanogram frequencies were significantly higher in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome without continuous positive airway pressure therapy (21.9%) than in the controls (0%) (p = 0.002). Conclusion Mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome did not affect middle ear pressure but severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome may increase the (negative) middle ear pressure. In severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients, long-term continuous positive airway pressure therapy may normalize middle ear pressure.

Resumo Introdução A resistência das vias aéreas superiores pode se acompanhar de disfunção da trompa de Eustáquio e alterar a pressão na orelha média em pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono Objetivo Investigar os efeitos do tratamento da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas nas funções da trompa de Eustáquio. Método Foram incluídos 42 pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono leve, 45 pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono moderada, 47 pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave submetidos à terapia de pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas, 32 pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave sem terapia de pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas e 88 indivíduos sem apneia do sono (controle). Os parâmetros timpanométricos dos grupos foram comparados. Resultados As pressões na orelha média direita nos grupos com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono leve e moderada não diferiram significantemente das do grupo controle (p = 0,93 e p = 0,55), assim como nas pressões da orelha média esquerda (p = 0,94 e p = 0,86). A pressão na orelha média direita foi significantemente maior nos grupos com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave do que no grupo controle, assim como a pressão na orelha média esquerda (p < 0,001). A pressão negativa na orelha média foi significantemente menor nos pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave submetidos à terapia com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas em comparação com aqueles que não receberam tratamento (p < 0,001). As frequências dos timpanogramas do tipo B e C da orelha direita foram significantemente maiores em pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sonograve que não receberam terapia com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas (12,4%) do que nos controles (0%) (p = 0,02). As frequências dos timpanogramas do tipo B ou C na orelha esquerda foram significantemente maiores em pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sonograve que não receberam terapia com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas (21,9%) do que nos controles (0%) (p = 0,002). Conclusão Síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono leve e moderada não afetou a pressão da orelha média, mas a síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave pode aumentar a pressão negativa da orelha média. Em pacientes com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono grave, a terapia em longo prazo com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas pode normalizar a pressão da orelha média.

Manejo de Otitis Media Aguda en los Servicios de Pediatría y Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello del Hospital de Clínicas / Treatment of Acute Otitis Media in the Pediatrics and Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck services in the Clinical Hospital

La otitis media aguda (OMA) es una patología muy común en pediatría y constituye la indicación más frecuente de prescripción de antibióticos en la infancia. Para el diagnóstico se tienen en cuenta hallazgos en la otoscopia, diversos signos clínicos y el tiempo de evolución de los síntomas principales. La decisión de iniciar antibioticoterapia debe determinarse según cada paciente. La espera vigilante como alternativa a la antibioticoterapia inmediata en casos seleccionados reduce el uso de antibióticos sin aumentar el riesgo de daño al paciente y ha demostrado ser una medida costo-efectiva. El fármaco de elección para el tratamiento empírico de la OMA es la amoxicilina, aunque según nuestros resultados es la amoxicilina-IBL la utilizada como primera línea en ambos servicios.

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a pathology commonly found in pediatrics, and the most frequent cause of antibiotics prescription in infants. For its diagnostics, several criteria are taken in consideration, such as otoscopy observations, diverse clinical signs, and the time of evolution of the main symptoms. The decision to initiate antibiotic therapy must be determined particularly for each patient. As an alternative to immediate antibiotic therapy, watchful waiting is preferred in certain cases to reduce the antibiotic use without elevating the patients' risk and has been proven to be a cost-effective approach. The preferred drug for empiric antibiotic therapy in AOM is amoxicillin, although we have observed that the first choice in both our services, pediatrics and otorhinolaryngology, is amoxicillin-IBL.

A Prospective Study Of The Hearing Loss In Global Developmental Delay Children

Background: Developmental disabilities are a group of related chronic disorders of early onset estimated to affect 5–10% ofchildren. Global developmental delay is a subset of developmental disabilities defined as a significant delay in two or more of thefollowing developmental domains: Gross/fine motor, speech/language, cognition, social/personal, and activities of daily living.Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical profile and audiological profile in children with globaldevelopmental delay presenting to the pediatric ENT unit.Materials and Methods: The study sample size was a total of 121 children with global developmental delay. Children withcomplaints of global developmental delay underwent a detailed ENT examination including examination under microscope ofear which is the standard of care. Hearing loss was assessed by audiological tests such as behavioral observation audiometry(BOA), otoacoustic emission, brain stem evoked response audiometry (BERA), and tympanometry (Tymps). The degree ofhearing loss was classified using the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association classification.Observations and Results: Among 121 children with global developmental delay, there were 72 (59.5%) males. The meanage of the study group was 3.2 years. The youngest child in the study was 6 months old and the oldest child being 14 yearsold. 25 (20.6%) children participating in the study had syndromic association. Of 121 children, only 36 (29%) presented withspeech delay and suspected hearing loss. BOA done in 242 ears showed 56 (23%) ears with normal hearing, 68 (28%) withhearing loss, and inconsistent report in 38 (15.5%) ears. In the 80 remaining ears (33%), test could not be done.Conclusions: The mean age of referral was 3.2 years in global developmental delay children who were referred for theevaluation of speech delay. Among the 121 global developmental delay children included in the study, 36 (29%) had hearingloss with speech delay. Our study detected a higher incidence of undetected hearing loss of 144 ears (59.5%) in children withglobal developmental delay

Can Wideband Tympanometry Be Used as a Screening Test for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence?

OBJECTIVES: We explored whether wideband tympanometry (WBT) could be used as a screening test for superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD), and obtained new WBT data (given that the test is not yet in common clinical use) on patients with SSCD. METHODS: We compared the WBT data of patients clinically and radiologically diagnosed with SSCD in our hospital between 2013 and 2018 to those of healthy volunteers. We compared the resonance frequency (RF), maximum absorbance frequency (MAF), and maximum absorbance ratio (MAR). The t-test was used for statistical analysis with the significance level set to P<0.05. In addition, we used receiver operating characteristic analysis to derive cutoff values for SSCD diagnosis in terms of sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (four with bilateral and 13 with unilateral disease; 17 ears) diagnosed with SSCD and 27 healthy volunteers (47 ears) were included. The mean RFs of the SSCD patients and healthy subjects were 548.7 Hz (range, 243 to 853 Hz) and 935.1 Hz (range, 239 to 1,875 Hz), respectively (P<0.001). The mean MARs of the SSCD patients and healthy subjects were 89.4% (range, 62% to 100%) and 82.4% (range, 63% to 99%), respectively (P=0.005). The mean MAFs of the SSCD patients and healthy subjects were 1,706.3 Hz (range, 613 to 3,816 Hz) and 2,668 Hz (range, 876 to 4,387 Hz), respectively (P<0.001). In terms of SSCD diagnosis, a MAR above 86% afforded 81% sensitivity and 77% specificity; an RF below 728 Hz, 86% sensitivity and 81% specificity; and an MAF below 1,835 Hz, 79% sensitivity and 67% specificity. CONCLUSION: WBT may be a useful clinical screening test for SSCD. The RF and MAF were lower, and the MAR higher, in SSCD patients than in normal controls.

Change of Tympanogram after Chronic Otitis Media Surgery / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pre-operative eustachian tube function (ETF) is an important factor for the postoperative success after tympanoplasty, though much debates have been reported. In this study, we investigated the tympanogram changes after tympanoplasty, indirectly checking up ETF, to find out the relationship between tympanogram changes and associated factors of tympanoplasty. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Included in this study were 238 cases of tympanoplasty (canal wall up mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty type I or tympanoplasty type I only) performed by one surgeon for chronic otitis media from January, 2012 to June, 2017. In all cases, tympanometric tests were undertaken at one month, three month, six month, and one year post-operatively, and pure tone audiometry tests were taken at 1 year, post operatively. RESULTS: The average hearing level and air-bone gap were 41.8±19.7 dB, and 17.1±9.3 dB, pre-operatively, and 29.9±21.1 dB, and 6.9±8.5 dB, 1 year post-operatively, respectively. Most of the cases showed improvement in hearing. The results of tympanometry showed that hearing improvement was greater for the A type than for the B or C type (p<0.001). The smaller the size of the tympanic membrane was, the higher, the type A tympanogram appeared to be (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: The estimation of pre-operative ETF using post-operative tympanogram changes can give insight to the degree and process of recovery of the normal middle ear after tympanoplasty.

Research the diagnosis of wide band acoustic absorbance in children otitis media with effusion / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To research the diagnostic value of the wide band acoustic absorbance rate in children otitis media with effusion. Methods The wide band acoustic absorbance rate was tested in 114 children (a control group of 30 healthy children;50 patients shown middle ear effusion during tympanotomy;and 34 patients with chronic effusion shown no middle ear effusion during tympanotomy).The data of each group were analyzed, and the diagnostic value of wide band absorbance was analyzed with the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results The wide band acoustic absorbance rate of otitis media with effusion group was notably lower than that of non-effusion group and control group at the 0.5～4 kHz averaged absorbance (P＜0.05).After analyzing the receiver operating characteristic curve, it showed that the diagnosis value was highest in the range of 0.5～2 kHz (area under the curve0.984), followed by 1 kHz and 1.5 k Hz (area under the curve:0.973 and 0.967). Conclusion Compared with the conventional 226 Hz tympanometry, the wide band tympanometry is more accurate for the diagnosis of children otitis media with effusion.It can be used as a better method for the diagnosis of otitis media exudative lesions.

Dynamic Slow Motion Video Endoscopy as an Adjunct to Impedance Audiometry in the Assessment of Eustachian Tube Function

Abstract Introduction Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction plays an important role not only in the pathophysiology of various middle ear disorders, but also in predicting the outcome of the treatment. As there is no single test that assesses both the anatomic and physiological functions of the ET, a combination of tympanometry and dynamic slow motion video endoscopy may improve the sensitivity of ET function assessment. Objective To find out if there is any correlation between dynamic slow motion nasal video endoscopy and impedance audiometry in assessing ET function in patients with middle ear diseases. Methods Ours was a descriptive study performed with 106 patients attending the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Outpatient Department of a tertiary care center in South India with features suggestive ofmiddle ear disease. All patients underwent impedance audiometry and dynamic slow motion nasal video endoscopy, and were graded based on the severity of the ET pathology. Results A total of 47 out of 97 patients with abnormal endoscopy findings also had abnormal impedance audiometry. The correlation was greater among the patients with higher grades of ET dysfunction. The endoscopy findings of 106 cases, when correlated with middle ear manometry, revealed that 56 cases showed complete agreement, and 50 cases showed disagreement. The nasal endoscopy results, when correlated with middle ear manometry studies by using McNemar's chi-squared (χ2) test, showed a significant association between the 2 tests (p = 0.017). Conclusion There is a significant alteration in middle ear pressure as the severity of the ET tube dysfunction increases. Impedance audiometry and nasal endoscopy provide a better measure of ET function.

Frequency of Serous Otitis Media in Children without Otolaryngological Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Otitis media with effusion is the fluid in the middle ear with no signs or symptoms of acute ear infection. Objective This study aims to research the frequency of serous otitis media in patients referred to the pediatric clinic between 3-16 years of age without any active ear, nose, and throat complaints. Methods This study included 589 children patients (280 boys, 309 girls; mean age: 9.42; range 3-16) who were administered to the pediatric clinic without otolaryngologic complaints. Patients underwent examination with flexible nasopharyngoscopy for adenoid hypertrophy. An otorhinolaryngologist examined all children on both ears using an otoscope and tested with tympanometry. We used tympanometry results to diagnose SOM. Results The study included 589 patients that underwent fiber optic examination of the nasopharynx with an endoscope. Adenoid vegetation was present in 58 patients (9.8%) and was not detected in 531 patients (90.2%). We found serous otitis media in 94 (15.9%) patients. We obtained Type A tympanogram in 47 (81%) of 58 patients with adenoid vegetation, 6 (10.3%) Type B, and 5 (8.6%) Type C.When comparing 58 patients with adenoid vegetation with 538 patients without adenoid vegetation for serous otitis media, the frequency was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion We believe that in children without any ear, nose, and throat complaints, it is possible to detect serous otitis media with adenoid vegetation. Thus, pediatric patients should undergo screening at regular intervals.

Comparison of Diagnostic Methods of Secretory Otitis Media in Children / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of endotoscopy,tympanometry,pure tone audiometry (PTA) and high resolution temporal bone CT in children with secretory otitis media (SOM).Methods The study comprised 414 ears in 207 children with adenoid hypertrophy.Endotoscopy,tympanometry,PTA and high resolution temporal bone CT were conducted to evaluate the function of middle ear.Based on the imaging findings of tympanic cavity fluid by high resolution temporal bone CT,the diagnostic accordance rate of endotoscopy,tympanograms and PTA for SOM were studied.Results The diagnostic accordance rate of endotoscopy,tympanometry and PTA for SOM were 98.79％(409/414),98.07％ (406/414) and 88.41％ (366/414),respectively.The sensitivity of the three examinations were 99.20％(124/125),100％ (125/125),63.20％ (79/125),respectively.The specificity of the three examinations were 98.62％ (285/289),97.23％ (281/289),99.31％ (287/289),respectively.The diagnostic accordance rate of endotoscopy combined with tympanometry for SOM was significantly higher than any single examination or any combined examinations.Conclusion Endotoscopy combined with tympanometry shows a great value in diagnosing SOM,which is accurate and safe.

The Tympanometric Norms for Children with Type A Tympanograms / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To study the reference values and related factors of tympanometry for children between 2 and 15 year-old .Methods From December 2014 to March 2015 ,a total of 120 children (240 ears total) among 2 to 15 year-old (6 .95-3 .12) with Type A tympanograms received the singe -frequency component tympanometry test ,including acoustic equivalent volume (Vea ) ,peak-compensated static admittance (Ytm ) ,tympanometric peak pressure (TPP) and tympanometric gradient (TG) .With the results of each test ,the relationships were conducted according to the differences of age and gender .The outcomes also were compared with the recent studies abroad .Re-sults The difference of TPP was statistically significant among the gender group ,and the differences of Vea and TPP were statistically significant between different age groups ,2-6 year pre-school children and 7~15 yr school children .Conclusion The normative values of each tests were significantly different between Chinese and western children of 2-15 years .We would speculate that the differences of TPP in the age and gender group have changed with the physiological characteristics of Eustachian tubes and eardrums and the differences among male and female .

Clinical Applications of Wideband Tympanometry / 대한이비인후과학회지

Conventional impedance audiometry uses only specific tympanometric frequencies (e.g., 226 Hz) and cannot test above 1500 Hz. As many hearing frequencies must be evaluated when diagnosing middle ear pathologies, wideband clicks stimulating tympanometric receptors from 226 to 8000 Hz are commonly delivered. Since wideband tympanometry (WBT) was introduced in 1993, several studies have explored its clinical utility. WBT yields information on absorbances at various frequencies and pressures. Recently, WBT has become increasingly used to diagnose and monitor the hearing of newborns and patients with otosclerosis, ossicular chain disruptions, tympanic perforations, superior semicanal dehiscence syndrome, and middle ear effusions. WBT is also employed for pre/postoperative monitoring using non-pressurized wideband absorbance. Here, we review the concept of WBT, the basic mechanism, and the clinical applications.

The Efficacy of Adjuvant Intratympanic Steroid Treatment for Otitis Media with Effusion in Children

Abstract Introduction Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a leading cause of hearing impairment in children. Therefore, early and proper management is essential. Objectives The objective of this research is to assess the efficacy of intratympanic (IT) steroids injection for management of otitis media with effusion (OME). Methods This study involved 42 children (84 ears) with bilateral OME. We used tympanometry to confirm the childreń s middle ear effusion and pure tone audiometry to determine hearing threshold. We performed myringotomy and inserted ventilation tubes (VTs) bilaterally, followed by a steroid injection of 0.4-0.6mLmethylprednisolone (40 mg/mL) into one randomly selected middle ear. This procedure was followed by once-weekly administration of steroids (0.5 mL methylprednisolone at a concentration of 40 mg/mL) into the middle ear for three consecutive weeks. Results We found recurrent OME after VT alone in nine (21.4%) ears; whereas, after VT combined with steroid administration, we found two (4.76%), with statistically significant difference. We noted tympanosclerosis postoperatively in six (12.9%) ears and in one of the injected ears (2.3%) (p = 0.0484). Otorrhea occurred in eight (19%) ears with VT alone and in three (7.1%) injected ears, with non-significant difference. The duration between VT insertion and its extrusion was 6.6 = 1.1months for ears with VT alone and 6.95 =1.12 months in injected ears (p = 0.1541 NS). Conclusion IT Steroids injection for treatment of OME is a safe and simple intervention with lower incidence of symptoms recurrence and postoperative complications. Thus, its use in management of OME is recommended.

Usefullness of 1000 Hz Tympanometry in the Results of Newborn Hearing Screening / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to verify and compare the results of newborn hearing screening (NHS) with that of 1000 Hz tympanometry conducted for newborns. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: For the hospitalized group, NHS and the portable 1000 Hz tympanometry were performed for 148 newborns (296 ears) from June through October in 2015. For the outpatient group, 93 newborns (186 ears) who had been referred after the 1st NHS results were reviewed from 2009 to 2014. We conducted NHS with the automated otoacoustic emissions for healthy babies and automated auditory brainstem response for the babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). NHS and 1000 Hz tympanometry were performed for all newborns simultaneously. For the impedance audiometry, B type was categorized separately from A and C type. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher incidence of B type of tympanometry in the referred newborns compared to the other newborns in both hospitalized and outpatient group (p<0.01). In the outpatient group, the ears referred from the 1st NHS showed middle ear effusion in 100% of the well babies and 78.6% of the NICU babies. CONCLUSION: 1000 Hz tympanometry can help estimate the causes and middle ear function of the referred newborns after the hearing screening test. Parents could feel relieved by being explained that the refer result of NHS was due to middle ear or ear canal problem rather than to inner ear or neural problem.

Clinical study on low vs high probe tone frequency tympanometry in children: Rural population

Background: Hearing impairment is a major problem worldwide, significantly delaying acquisition of speech in children. Unfortunately delayed detection of hearing impairment especially in rural and remote areas, adds a significant burden to the society and the nation. Hence early detection of hearing impairment is imperative and the need of the hour lies in developing an easy, cost effective and reliable method for testing large number of neonates and infants. This study was to assess the effectiveness and utility of Tympanometry as a screening tool for assessment of middle ear pathology in neonates and infants. Middle ear disorders are significantly prevalent in young children. Aim: Investigating and comparing the results of visual inspection of the tympanic membrane to the results of Tympanometry with traditional probe tone (226 Hz) and high frequency probe tone (678 Hz) in” ears without effusion” and “ears with effusion” and to establish their sensitivity and specificity to detect middle ear disorders as a database in clinical practice. Materials and methods: Subjects were evaluated for the stable middle ear/ Eustachian tube function. Ears with no sign of effusion in the middle ear on otoscopy were labeled as “ears without effusion” and those who showed the presence of fluid in the middle ear were labeled as “ears with effusion”. Blinded to otoscopic ear exam results, Tympanometry was conducted with conventional probe tone of 226 Hz and high probe tone 678 Hz by audiologist using standard procedure. Results: Otoscopic examination results of ears for all age groups were evaluated and ears without effusion and with effusion were tabulated. Y. Kishore Kumar, Ajay Kumar Basod, G. Obulesu. Clinical study on low vs high probe tone frequency tympanometry in children: Rural population. IAIM, 2016; 3(10): 251-258. Page 252 Conclusion: The tympanometric parameters obtained with 226 Hz and 678 Hz probe tones have statistically significant differences in detecting the ears without effusion and with effusion. Compliance values also proved to be statistically different with the different probe tones.

Audiometric and Tympanometric Assessment in Patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is regarded as a potentially malignant condition. It is characterized by a mucosal rigidity of variable intensity because of the fibroelastic changes of the juxta epithelial layer, resulting in a progressive inability to open the mouth. Oral submucous fibrosis can cause fibrosis and degeneration of tubal and paratubal muscles extending to nasopharynx causing alteration in eustachian tube function. So, this study was carried out with an aim to determine the effect of OSMF on the function of the eustachian tube. Materials and Methods: 80 ears of 40 patients with OSMF and 40 ears of 20 normal persons had undergone audiometry and tympanometry after a thorough history taking and clinical examination. Results: Out of the 80 ears in the OSMF group, Type A curve in 44 (55%) ears. Type As 13 (16.3%) ears, type Ad in 7 (8.8%) ears, type B in 9 (11.3%) and type C in 7 (8.8%) ears (Table 3, Graph 2). The control group showed type A curve in all individuals. On pure tone audiometry (PTA) of study group hearing was found to be normal in 47 (58%) ears; mild hearing loss was found in 28 (35%) ears and moderate hearing loss in 5 (6.3%) ears while it was normal in all subjects in the control group. When tympanometry curves were compared in different groups of oral submucous fibrosis (according to Khanna et al), a significant relation was found. Type A curve was decreased as the group progress from 1 to 4 while reverse was true for type As, Ad and C curve with significant value of .0009. Conclusion: The data obtained were analyzed statistically using chi-square test, which suggested a significant association between different stages of OSMF and eustachian tube function. Therefore, it can be concluded that eustachian tube function may be affected in OSMF.

High Frequency Tympanometry (1,000 Hz) for Neonates with Normal and Abnormal Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This paper aimed at evaluating the characteristics of high-frequency (1,000 Hz) acoustic admittance (ya) for the neonates with transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) as either pass or refer group. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Using a 1,000 Hz probe tone, 297neonates (152 male, 145 female aged 0–104 days old) were evaluated. Tympanometric parameters admittance value at +200 dapa, middle ear admittance, and tympanometric peak pressure were calculated for each tympanogram. RESULTS: The mean of ya was 0.9678 mmho in the TEOAE for the pass group and 0.7229 mmho in the refer group. The mean of acoustic admittance at +200 (y200) was 2.0657 in the TEOAE for the pass group and 1.7191 for the refer group. The mean of Tpp was 23/8591 in the TEOAE for the pass group and 59/7619 for the refer group. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in the distribution of different types of tympanograms, the mean of ya, tympanic peak pressure, and y200 between the TEOAEs for the pass and the refer groups.

The Efficacy of Nasal Steroids in Treatment of Otitis Media with Effusion: A Comparative Study

Introduction Otitis media with effusion (OME) continues to be an important pediatric clinical problem, and more studies are needed to decide the proper treatment for it. Objective To assess the efficacy of nasal steroids in the management of OME by comparing its results with that of oral steroid and that of nasal saline spray as placebo. Methods This study was carried on 60 patients with OME who were divided into three groups: in group 1, 20 patients received mometasone furoate spray, one puff in each nostril daily, for 3 months; in group 2, 20 patients received oral prednisolone, 5 mg three times per day for the first 3 weeks; in group 3, 20 patients received nasal saline spray, one puff in each nostril daily for 3 months. Results A highly significant difference between systemic or topical (nasal spray) steroid therapy and saline nasal spray was detected (p < 0.001), and the difference between systemic and topical steroid was nonsignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion Nasal steroid spray can be used as an effective treatment for OME, giving a significant result similar to systemic steroid. Further studies are needed to investigate its use for longer duration and in recurrent cases.(AU)

Objective Tinnitus Concomitant with Eye Blinking: A Case Report

Tinnitus is a common auditory phenomenon associated with many otological diseases, and is usually subjective. Objective tinnitus can be generated by para-auditory structures, usually derived from vascular or myogenic sources, or the eustachian tube. We present a rare case of intermittent unilateral tinnitus associated with eye blinking. Otoendoscopic examination showed that the external auditory canals and tympanic membranes were normal; however, rhythmic movements of both tympanic membranes, concomitant with the tinnitus, were evident whenever the patient blinked. The tympanometry and stapedial reflexes measured via impedance audiometry exhibited saw-tooth patterns; movement of the tympanic membrane was associated with eyelid blinking. The patient was managed conservatively, with reassurance and medication, and the condition became well-controlled. Here, we present this educational case and review the literature.

Analysis of Adenoid Vegetation Children with Different Types of Tympanograms and Secretory Otitis Media / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between adenoid vegetation children with different types of tympanograms and secretory otitis media in children and diagnosis of secretory otitis media .Methods A retrospec-tive study was carried out among 328 cases with adenoid vegetation in children ,including simple adenoid vegetation and associated with chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy ,from August 2010 to May 2012 .The incidence of secretory otitis media and outcomes of tympanometry for the diagnosis were analyzed .Results 104 cases were diag-nosed with secretory otitis media by tympanic membrane puncture or tympanostomy tube in 328 cases with adenoid vegetation (32 .31% );86 cases (147 ears) were finally diagnosed as secretory otitis media among 89 cases (152 ears) with type B tympanogram (147/152 ,96 .63% );16 cases (20 ears) were finally diagnosed secretory otitis media among 33 cases (49 ears) with type C tympanogram (20/49 ,40 .82% );2 cases (2 ears) with type As tympa-nogram were finally diagnosed .Conclusion With or without complaint of hearing loss ,children with adenoid vegeta-tion should be checked by routine tympanometry .Careful physical examinations and electric otoscope or ear endosco-py combined tympanometry can greatly reduce the rate of misdiagnosis of secretory otitis media .