Can I test tympanometry on patients with pressure equalization (PE) tubes?
Yes. Tympanometry is a useful tool in determining the functional status of the PE tube. If the PE tube is patent (open and functioning as it should), expect a flat tympanogram with a high ear canal volume (greater than 1.0ml in babies) as it also measures the volume of the middle ear space. If the tympanogram is flat but the ear canal volume is in the normal range, this is a “refer” result indicating the PE tube is blocked or there is fluid in the middle ear space. If the tympanogram yields a normal peak, this is a “pass result” and the PE tube is no longer in the eardrum and the eardrum is moving properly.
