Abstract
Tympanometry was used as an otological screening test for 3 years old children to detect secretory otitis media (SOM). Subjects were 1289 children and they underwent tympanometry in the health centers. Tympanograms were classified into 4 types (A, B, C1, C2) according to peak pressure. Type A, B, C1 and C2 tympanograms were found in 75.5%, 8.1%, 12.0% and 4.4% respectively.
The children with type B and C2 tympanogram were diagnosed as SOM in 66.4% and 63.3% respectively by otologic examination, however children with type C1 tympanogram were diagnosed as SOM in lower percentage (43.8%) than children with type B and C2.
The distribution of static compliance of type C1 and C2 tympanogram showed no significant difference between normal children and children with SOM.
The result suggests that tympanometry is useful to detect SOM in 3 years old children screening, and appropriate criteria for tympanogram in the detection of SOM is types B and C2.
