Normal Tympanometric Shape

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Abstract
Computer-assisted curve-fitting techniques were used to describe quantitative and qualitative characteristics of normal tympanometric shape. The data base consisted of sets of triplicate tympanograms, obtained at 2-week intervals, from 72 ears of children with normal middle ears enrolled in the first through the fifth grades. A nonlinear equation produced significantly better prediction of normal tympanograms (R2 = 0.70) than did linear equations (R2 <0.44), bringing into question the use of the latter in determining normality. The complexity of applying curve fitting in clinical practice led to the development of a qualitative technique to determine normality. An initial application of the technique as a screen in 76 ears subjected to myringotomy produced a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 83% with respect to identification of the presence of middle ear fluid.

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