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.