Exam Preview for 40708: Beyond the Basics: Interpreting Wideband Ty

Beyond the Basics: Interpreting Wideband Tympanometry with Confidence

Please note: exam questions are subject to change.

1. Which of the following statements best describes the key advantage of wideband tympanometry (WBT) over conventional tympanometry in assessing middle ear function? WBT uses a single, low-frequency tone to measure the compliance of the middle ear, providing a focused assessment of stiffness. WBT measures admittance at a fixed pressure, simplifying the diagnostic process compared to the dynamic pressure sweeps of conventional tympanometry WBT assesses energy absorbance across a wide range of frequencies and pressures, offering a more detailed analysis of middle ear mechanics and pathology compared to the single-frequency measurements of conventional tympanometry WBT relies on subjective interpretation of visual inspection, making it highly accurate to detect middle ear issues
2. How does an increase in stiffness within the middle ear system characteristically affect the absorbance curve as measured by wideband tympanometry (WBT)? WBT uses a single, low-frequency tone to measure the compliance of the middle ear, providing a focused assessment of stiffness. WBT assesses energy absorbance across a wide range of frequencies and pressures, offering a more detailed analysis of middle ear mechanics and pathology compared to the single-frequency measurements of conventional tympanometry. WBT measures admittance at a fixed pressure, simplifying the diagnostic process compared to the dynamic pressure sweeps of conventional tympanometry. WBT relies on subjective interpretation of visual inspection, making it highly accurate to detect middle ear issue.
3. Which of the following best explains why power-based measures (e.g., energy reflectance, energy absorbance) are sometimes preferred over impedance-based measures in audiological assessments like wideband tympanometry (WBT)? Power-based measures are more sensitive to minor changes in middle-ear mechanics, offering a higher resolution for diagnostic purposes compared to impedance measures. Power-based measures are less influenced by the probe's position in the ear canal, simplifying measurements and reducing variability compared to impedance measures Power-based measures incorporate phase information, providing a more complete description of the sound transfer at the tympanic membrane compared to impedance measures. Power-based measures eliminate the need for calibration, streamlining the testing process and reducing the potential for errors compared to impedance measures.
4. How does wideband tympanometry (WBT) enhance the differential diagnosis of otitis media with effusion (OME) compared to traditional diagnostic methods? WBT provides a subjective assessment of the tympanic membrane, allowing for a more accurate visual inspection compared to standard otoscopy. WBT measures a single frequency, providing targeted information about the resonant frequency of the middle ear. WBT assesses middle ear function across a wide range of frequencies, enabling the detection of subtle changes in middle ear mechanics and effusion characteristics that are not discernible with traditional tympanometry. WBT eliminates the need for behavioral audiometry, providing a complete assessment of hearing status in children with OME.
5. Which of the following best describes how wideband tympanometry (WBT) assists in diagnosing middle ear pathologies characterized by increased mass/decreased stiffness? WBT reveals increased absorbance in the low-frequency range and a shift of the absorbance peak to higher frequencies, indicating that the increased mass facilitates the transmission of lower-frequency sounds. WBT demonstrates a normal tympanogram with a prominent Carhart's notch at 2 kHz, confirming the presence of otosclerosis but not necessarily indicating a mass-related pathology. WBT primarily affects the tympanometric width and peak pressure, with minimal changes in the absorbance curve, indicating that mass-related pathologies mainly influence pressure dynamics, not sound transmission efficiency. WBT shows decreased absorbance, particularly in the high-frequency range, and a shift of the absorbance peak to lower frequencies, suggesting that the increased mass impedes the transmission of higher-frequency sounds.