Test–Retest Reliability of Multicomponent Tympanometry at 226-, 678-, and 1000-Hz Probe Tones Over 10 Sessions

Abstract

Purpose Numerous studies are testimony to the pivotal role of multicomponent tympanometry in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of auditory pathologies, not only of the middle ear but also the inner ear. Repeated measurements using multicomponent tympanometry have been used as a measure for stapedial tendon preservation during middle ear surgeries. However, such applications would produce reliable results only when multicomponent tympanometry produces replicable results across sessions. Nonetheless, there is dearth of studies exploring the test–retest repeatability of multicomponent tympanometry across multiple sessions using various probe tones. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the test–retest reliability of multicomponent tympanometry across 10 different sessions for 226-, 678-, and 1000-Hz probe-tone frequencies. Method The study included 28 healthy adults in the age range of 18 to 25 years. All participants underwent multicomponent (susceptance and conductance) tympanometry using 226-, 678-, and 1000-Hz probe tones. Results Multicomponent tympanometry showed excellent test–retest reliability for all parameters of 226- and 678-Hz probe tones. The probe tone of 1000 Hz produced excellent test–retest reliability for most of the parameters. Conclusions The clinical recording of multicomponent tympanometry over multiple sessions is more reliable when using 226- and 678-Hz probe tones. Hence, these probe tones lend themselves to possible applications requiring multiple recordings, such as evaluation of treatment outcomes or preservation of middle ear structures during surgery.