Question
Would you complete an ENG if the patient has a flat tympanogram?Answer
I am assuming that you ask because you are concerned that the presence of the fluid in the middle ear might cause a decrease in temperature transfer of the caloric stimuli. A simple answer is "Yes" I would complete the ENG, but if there was a UW on the side with the flat tymp I would interpret this with caution and perhaps recommend a repeat of the calorics. I have had this scenario in the past and have found that in most cases the calorics are unaffected by the presence of the fluid.
Henry P. Trahan, Au.D., is Assistant Professor of Audiology at the Arizona School of Health Sciences.