If you are looking for one of these devices, it is important to consider how and where they will be used. Are you going to need to take the device with you from room to room, or will you be keeping it in one location and be bringing the patients to you for the examination? Do you want the results sent to a computer or readable on the device? In addition, you should always look at the features offered by the device. If you need to have more than just a tympanometer, then you may want to choose one that offers multiple functions.

While these are relatively easy to use, make sure only trained personnel are using them with your patients.

The purpose of the device, whether it is for adults or children, is always the same – to check the middle ear. However, you will find that some of the options available today do have difference you need to be aware of. There are digital handheld screening tympanometers, as well as larger computer based table tympanometers. Some of the machines have multiple functions, and they can work not only for tympanometry, but also for simple screening procedures and tone audiometry.

Many clinics today use tympanometry examinations on their patients. This exam will check the condition and function of the middle ear. It essentially measures the transmission of energy through the middle ear. The test is useful for discovering if there is fluid in the middle ear, a tear in the eardrum, a middle ear infection, or a problem with the Eustachian tube. This is utilized in both adult and pediatric patients.

An array of companies creates tympanometers today, and some of the most prominent manufacturers include Inventis, Otometrics, BioMed, Oscilla, Med RX, Path Medical, Resonance, and Amplivox.