I'll start by saying tympanometers are not cheap, possibly because they're not a mainstream device. Most high-street audiologists won't have one, which, considering what they do, should be surprising from a patient service perspective. I kind of understand why people don't have one because there is no clear direct return on investment. However, I hope this article will change this general opinion and ear care practitioners will begin to view tympanometers as a standard piece of essential kit.

We use ours daily at Liverpool Hearing Centre and on every earwax removal patient as standard practice. We use the Amplivox Otowave 102-1 which is the "budget" model in the range. It's great but we should have gotten the Amplivox Otowave Tympanometer 102-C which has a docking station that incorporates a charger and links to the computer to automatically save the results to the patient's file. 

For ear wax removal practitioners, dealing with patients who complain of a blocked ear can be challenging, especially when nothing is visibly blocking the ear canal upon otoscopic inspection. This scenario often leads to an uncomfortable situation where the practitioner may hesitate to charge for the consultation, as it seems little has been done to address the patient’s complaint. However, the inclusion of a tympanometer in your practice can transform this situation, allowing you to provide a more comprehensive service and comfortably charge for your time.

A tympanometer is an essential tool for assessing the middle ear and beyond. It measures the pathology of the middle ear, including the eardrum, helping to identify issues that are not visible through standard otoscopy. Often referred to as a middle ear analyser or impedance/admittance meter, this device is crucial for diagnosing various middle ear conditions. Tympanometry, the measurement of the eardrum’s response to pressure changes, is just one part of the complete assessment that a tympanometer provides.

There are different types of tympanometers available, ranging from screening devices to more advanced diagnostic or clinical devices. For instance, the Amplivox Otowave 102-1 is a reliable option for practitioners who need a versatile tool that can perform basic tests, while the Amplivox Otowave 102-4 offers more advanced functionalities.

The most basic of tympanometers will typically show pressure on the x-axis and compliance (mobility of the eardrum) on the y-axis. Different middle ear conditions produce characteristic shapes:

1. Normal: A peaked curve with maximum compliance near 0 daPa pressure
2. Fluid in middle ear: A flat, horizontal line with no peak
3. Negative middle ear pressure: A peaked curve shifted to the left of 0 daPa
4. Eardrum perforation: A flat line with abnormally high ear canal volume
5. Ossicular chain discontinuity: An abnormally high peaked curve
6. Otosclerosis: A lower, flatter peaked curve

Imagine how much you'll be helping your patients with this kind of knowledge. A standard "tymp test" takes literally seconds and if you don't do it, who else will?

A tympanometer performs a series of tests that provide valuable insights into the condition of the middle ear. These include:

• Middle Ear Effusion (Otitis Media): Identifying fluid in the middle ear, which is a common cause of a blocked ear sensation.
• Perforation or Cicatrisation of the Ear Drum: Detecting damage or scarring that could affect hearing.
• Ear Grommets: Monitoring the function of grommets in patients with chronic ear infections.
• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Assessing the functionality of the Eustachian tube, which is crucial for maintaining ear pressure.
• Tympanosclerosis and Otosclerosis: Diagnosing these conditions, which involve hardening of tissues within the middle ear.
• Cholesteatoma: Identifying abnormal skin growth in the middle ear.

These tests allow the practitioner to differentiate between different types of ear pathologies, providing a more accurate diagnosis and aiding in the decision-making process for further treatment or referral.

For ear wax removal practitioners, the addition of a tympanometer can be a game-changer. It allows you to diagnose middle ear conditions more effectively, providing your patients with the reassurance that their concerns are being addressed thoroughly. By investing in a tympanometer, you not only enhance the quality of care but also justify the time and fees associated with your consultations.

The Hearing Lab Store offers a wide range of other services and products designed to support your clinical practice. Explore our Store for more products, explore our ready made microsuction equipment packages to find what's best for your needs, or consider our Microsuction Training and Tinnitus Training programs to enhance your skills. We also provide free digital forms in our Tinnitus Tool Kit, a Find a Locum Service, and Free Online Earwax Removal Patient Consent Forms.