BACKGROUND/AIMS

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a major health issue worldwide. Although it is difficult to consider any quantitative measurement in particular to be a herald of clinical recovery in OME, this study aimed to determine the role of tympanometric quantitative values, especially gradient (GR) and acoustic reflex (AR), in patients with OME who are approaching the full healing stage.

MATERIAL and METHOD

Based on the tympanic membrane findings, participants were divided into 2 groups: (A) minimal retraction group and (B) normal group. For each group, the tympanometric quantitative measurements (static compliance [SC], tympanometric peak pressure [TPP], GR, and AR) were obtained and compared statistically. In addition, the relationship of AR with tympanometric quantitative measurements was compared statistically.

RESULTS

The mean GR values in group A (n=66) and group B (n=73) were 157.06±92.85 daPa and 103.60±28.51 daPa, respectively (P=.001). Although no significant difference was found with respect to AR, statistically significant differences were observed with respect to TPP between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

contrast to AR, GR and TPP values were consistent with the examination findings of the tympanic membrane observed in patients with resolved OME progressing to the full healing stage. Thus, these 2 tympanometric quantitative measurements are beneficial for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with OME.

Keywords: Tympanometry, otitis media, acoustic reflex