At what frequency is tympanometry typically measured for adults and children over two years old?

Tympanometry is a clinical procedure used to assess the middle ear's function by measuring the compliance of the tympanic membrane as external air pressure changes. For adults and children over the age of two, tympanometry is typically standardized at a frequency of 226 Hz. This frequency is optimal for assessing the compliance characteristics of the tympanic membrane, as it provides the best balance between sensitivity and specificity for detecting middle ear dysfunction.

The selection of 226 Hz allows for a more accurate evaluation of normal middle ear function, as well as identification of conditions such as otitis media with effusion or Eustachian tube dysfunction. Other frequencies, such as 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, or 4000 Hz, might be used in specific situations or populations, particularly in infants or young children, but 226 Hz is the established norm for the specified age group in adults and older children. This consistency in measurement frequency helps audiologists make comparisons and track changes in middle ear health effectively.