Immittance measurements are a type of hearing test that measures the mobility of the eardrum and the compliance of the middle ear. They are also known as tympanometry.
What do immittance measurements measure?
Immittance measurements measure the acoustic impedance of the ear. Acoustic impedance is the opposition to the flow of sound through a medium. It is a complex number that has both magnitude and phase. The magnitude of the acoustic impedance is called the admittance.
What is the instrument for immittance?
The instrument used to measure immittance is called an immittance meter. An immittance meter consists of a probe that is inserted into the ear canal. The probe has a speaker and a microphone. The speaker produces a sound at a specific frequency, and the microphone measures the sound pressure in the ear canal.
Is immittance and impedance the same?
No, immittance and impedance are not the same. Immittance is the reciprocal of impedance. In other words, immittance is a measure of how easy it is for sound to flow through a medium, while impedance is a measure of how difficult it is for sound to flow through a medium.
How do you calculate acoustic immittance?
Acoustic immittance is calculated using the following formula:
What do immittance measurements tell us about the ear?
Immittance measurements can tell us about the mobility of the eardrum and the compliance of the middle ear. They can also be used to diagnose a variety of ear conditions, such as:
- Ear infections
- Middle ear effusions
- Otosclerosis
- Barotrauma
- Acoustic neuromas
Why are immittance measurements important?
Immittance measurements are important because they can help to diagnose ear conditions that may not be detected by other hearing tests. They are also important for monitoring the progression of ear conditions and for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.
If you are concerned about your hearing, it is important to see an audiologist for a hearing test. An audiologist can perform immittance measurements and other hearing tests to diagnose any ear conditions that you may have.