Modified Schema for Classifying Positive-Pressure Tympanograms

[摘要] Tympanograms with peaks located in the high-positive air pressure range (≥ 50 mm H2O) are infrequently recorded in clinical practice and have been little discussed in the literature. Such tympanograms accounted for 1.2% of a series of 8,011 tympanograms recorded at various times from 1,556 subjects ranging in age from 7 months through 12 years. Correlations between otoscopic diagnoses and tympanometric findings in the case of 65 of the high-positive air pressure tympanograms form the basis of the present report. Of the 65 high-positive air pressure tympanograms, 51 showed relatively high compliance (≤5.5 Madsen units), and of these 46 (90%) were associated with ears considered normal otoscopically. Fourteen of the high-positive air pressure tympanograms showed low compliance (>5.5 Madsen units), and of these, six (43%) were associated with ears considered normal, six (43%) with ears showing signs of acute infection, and two (14%) with ears in which the presence of effusion seemed probable. A previously presented zonal schema for classifying tympanograms has been modified on the basis of these findings.

[学科分类] 儿科学