Investigation of Age and Gender Effects on the Middle Ear With Wideband Tympanometry in Adults

Abstract

Objectives: Several studies have reported the effects of age and gender on the middle ear of adults using wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) that measures middle ear function over a range of frequencies rather than the traditional measures with a single probe tone. Although these results are often based on WAI measurements under ambient pressure, using WAI under varying ear-canal pressures (wideband tympanometry [WBT]) may be able to provide more information about age and gender effects on the middle ear. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of age and gender on the middle ear with WBT in three different age groups consisting of young, middle-aged, and older adults. Design: A total of 95 adults with normal middle ear function were assessed, including 32 young adults (16 men, 16 women, aged 20 to 39 years), 31 middle-aged adults (15 men, 16 women, aged 41 to 60 years), and 32 older adults (16 men, 16 women, aged 65 to 82 years). WBT measurements were performed from 226 to 8000 Hz using Interacoustics Titan. Energy absorbance data at tympanometric peak pressure (EATPP) and ambient pressure (EAAP) at 1/3 octave frequencies, and resonance frequency (RF) data were analyzed according to age and gender variables. Results: Analysis results showed that the mean EATPP was significantly higher from 500 to 794 Hz and at 5040 and 6350 Hz, and significantly lower from 1587 to 3175 Hz in older adults compared with young adults. The mean EAAP was significantly lower from 1587 to 3175 Hz, and significantly higher at 5040 and 6350 Hz in older adults compared with young adults. There was no significant difference in the mean EATPP and mean EAAP at any frequency between young and middle-aged adults, and middle-aged and older adults. RF was significantly lower in older adults compared with young adults. In all age groups, men had higher mean EATPP and mean EAAP at lower frequencies and lower mean EATPP and mean EAAP at higher frequencies than women. Men had slightly lower RF than women in young and older adults, while men had significantly lower RF than women in middle-aged adults. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that there are possible age and gender effects on the middle ear that may affect the mechanical transmission of sound. It may be useful to consider this finding in clinical evaluation in adults of different ages and genders, and to establish age- and gender-specific WBT norms in the adult population.