Diagnosis of Middle Ear Effusion in Neonate and Infant: Pitfalls of Conventional Impedance Audiometry Using 226 Hz Probe Tone / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Middle ear effusion is one of the most common causes which results in refer on hearing screening of infants. Evaluation of middle ear state has been emphasized because the causes and severity of hearing impairment determine the manner of rehabilitation. As a complimentary diagnostic method of middle ear effusion, tympanometry using 226 Hz probe tone has been most commonly used in adult and older children. However, recent reports have indicated obviously that the use of a 1000 Hz tympanometry is more reliable in younger infants and neonates than 226 Hz. This attributes to the developmental changes in acoustic properties and anatomic changes of middle ear structures and ear canal. Given the data reported up to the present, 1000 Hz tympanometry is recommended to diagnose middle ear effusion in children younger than 6 months.