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3.5 TYMPANOMETRY TESTING INFORMATION
Perform a test on a normal ear each day to make certain that your
TM 262
TM
Auto Tymp
TM
is functioning properly. See Section 2.9 for details.
3.5.1 Helpful Hints
Tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing can be performed at any
age. However, the technique used will vary with age. From three years
through adult, tympanometry can be performed with little difficulty due
to the cooperative nature of this age group. With the under-three-year
population, a bit of ingenuity is required to keep the patient relatively
quiet during the seconds required for the test. In all cases, distraction
is the key to success! Anything which provides a sound and/or visual
distraction should work. Examples are only limited by your imagination!
Sucking on a pacifier or a bottle will help with the younger population.
However, the tympanogram tracing will not appear as smooth due to
the movement artifact. Having a parent hold an infant during testing
will also help.
The key to success in all cases is to make sure that you are at
eye level
with the ear canal. Keep your hand steady and your eyes on the ear
canal and probe lights until the test is over.
When first using your TM 262
TM
Auto Tymp
TM
, practice on a cooperative
patient to gain confidence in its use. Once you feel comfortable with
the probe, you are ready to handle any situation. Remain calm and suc-
cess will follow.
3.5.2 Obtaining a Seal
Six different size eartips are provided with your TM 262
TM
Auto Tymp
TM
.
Generally speaking, the following guidelines apply:
Age
Tip Size
Preemie
8 mm
Newborn
8 mm, 11 mm
Pre-school
11 mm, 13 mm
School age
11 mm, 13 mm, 15 mm
Adult
15 mm, 17 mm, 19 mm
Before attempting to seal the entrance of the ear canal, visually inspect
the opening to make sure that the canal is free of any obstruction. If the
canal is completely plugged at the entrance or if fluid is running from
the ear canal, tympanometry should not be attempted until the condi-
tion is cleared.
NOTE
Damage to the probe can result if fluid is pulled up into the probe with nega-
tive pressure.
