Impedance audiometry is a type of hearing test that evaluates the condition of the middle ear and the mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the tiny bones in the middle ear (ossicles). It doesn’t test hearing sensitivity directly but instead assesses how well sound is conducted through the middle ear.

Key components of impedance audiometry:

1. Tympanometry:

   • Measures how the eardrum moves in response to changes in air pressure.

   • Helps detect fluid in the middle ear, ear infections, perforated eardrum, or Eustachian tube dysfunction.

2. Acoustic Reflex Testing:

   • Measures the reflexive contraction of a small middle ear muscle in response to loud sounds.

   • Assesses the integrity of the auditory nerve and the brainstem pathways involved in hearing.

What the test involves:

• A small probe is placed in the ear canal.

• Air pressure is varied, and tones are played.

• The device measures how the eardrum responds.

Why it’s used:

• To diagnose middle ear problems.

• To help determine the cause of hearing loss.

• To check for neurological issues affecting the auditory pathway.