Abstract
Tympanometry using Danplex ZA-20 with a probe-tone of 220Hz was performed on the total of 1, 470 ears with normal hearing and various kinds of hearing impairments. The subjects ranged in age from two to 15 years.
Eight tympanometric patterns from type I to VIII were classified based upon the tympanic membrane compliance, peak pressure and shape of the tympanogram. The classification of tympanograms in this study was similar to the one reported by Jerger, except for type VI and type VII. Type VI and type VII were characterized by great compliance, displacement of the peak toward the side of high negative pressure and a sharp peak at the point of maximum amplitude. The patterns of type VI and type VI have been frequently found clinically among patients with flaccid tympanic membrane or who are in the resolving stage of fluid in the middle ear.
From the above-mentioned results, it was considered that these types are useful in the diagnosis of such abnormal ears.
