ABSTRACT
As wideband absorbance (WBA) gains popularity, it is essential to understand the impact of different middle ear pathologies on the absorbance patterns as a function of frequency in children with various middle ear pathologies. More recently, the use of wideband tympanometry has enabled clinicians to conduct WBA at ambient pressure (WBA amb ) as well as the pressurized mode (WBA TPP ). This article reviews evidence for the ability of WBA measurements to accurately characterize the normal middle ear function across a wide range of frequencies and to aid in differential diagnosis of common middle ear disorders in children. Absorbance results in cases of otitis media with effusion, negative middle ear pressure, Eustachian tube malfunction, middle ear tumors, and pressure equalization tubes will be compared to age-appropriate normative data. Where applicable, WBA amb as well as WBA TPP will be reviewed in these conditions. The main objectives of this article are to identify, assess, and interpret WBA amb and WBA TPP outcomes from various middle ear conditions in children between the ages of 3 and 12 years.
ABSTRACT
International humanitarian programs are one way for individuals within low-income countries to access hearing health care. Faculty and students from the Idaho State University (ISU) Audiology Program have traveled to several locations within less developed countries over the past 15 years. Most recently, the ISU Audiology Program has partnered with Idaho Condor Humanitarian to provide hearing health care services to Peruvian indigenous people. The humanitarian expedition provides medical, dental, and audiology services to rural villages surrounding Cusco, Peru. Each year the ISU Audiology team gathers data on the hearing health care needs of the Peruvian people and fits donated hearing aids. The ISU Audiology team navigates a variety of barriers associated with limited resources to provide quality hearing health care focused on best practice guidelines for the people of Peru. This article highlights the specific needs of the people served, which the team identified and prioritized, as well as initiated a plan for continuing to develop follow-up care and sustainability.
