An Acoustic Method for Clinical Examination of the Ear

Abstract

An objective acoustic method is suggested for diagnostic examination of the ear. It provides supplementary information to the otoscopic and audiometric examinations. The acoustic method is based on impedance measurements at the eardrum by means of an acoustic bridge that is calibrated in absolute acoustic resistance and compliance units. The obtained values can be read directly on the instrument dials and no time consuming computations are required. The article includes an explanation of the concept of acoustic impedance, an analysis of the middle ear mechanism and of the acoustic effects of middle ear pathologies, in addition to a description of the suggested method.