tympanogram

tympanogram

 [tim´pan-o-gram″] 1. a graphic representation of the relative compliance and impedance of the tympanic membrane and ossicles of the middle ear obtained by tympanometry.2. a test using tympanometry to measure how easily the tympanic membrane vibrates back and forth and at what pressure the vibration is easiest. The middle ear is normally filled with air at a pressure equal to that of the surrounding atmosphere. If it is filled with fluid, the membrane will not vibrate properly and the line on the tympanogram will be flat; if it is filled with air but at a higher or lower pressure than the surrounding atmosphere, the line on the graph will be shifted in position. A tympanogram is a quick and easy test; a probe is placed up against the ear canal like an ear plug and the equipment automatically makes the measurements.

tym·pan·o·gram

(tim'pă-nō-gram), The printout of immittance showing the stiffness or the compliance of the middle ear structures as it varies with changes in pressure within the external auditory canal.

tym·pan·o·gram

(tim'pă-nō-gram) A visual depiction (e.g., a printout) of the relative compliance and impedance of the structures of the middle ear in response to pressure changes in the external ear canal.