Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the results of 1,000 Hz and 226 Hz tympanometry test results in children aged between 0-24 months based on ear-nose-throat examination findings and to determine the age range in which probe tone selection should be prioritized in detecting middle ear pathology.

METHODS: Otoscopic examination of ear-nose-throat was performed in 40 healthy children (20 males, 20 females; mean age 12.7 month; range, 0 to 24 months), followed by 226 Hz and 1,000 Hz tympanometry. The probe tone selection and the tympanometry parameters were compared in four groups of 10, 11, 9, and 10 individuals within age ranges of 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, and 18-24 months, respectively.

RESULTS: There was no significant relationship between otoscopy examination findings and different probe tone tympanogram findings in infants between 0-6 months and 12-18 months (p>0.05). There was no significant correlation between otoscopy examination findings and different probe tone tympanogram findings in infants aged 6-12 except 1,000 Hz tympanogram and otoscopy examination findings in the left ear, and 226 Hz tympanogram and otoscopy examination findings in the right ear in infants aged 18-24 months (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: No primary age group was identified, which required the use of high-frequency tympanometry to establish a diagnosis of middle ear pathology.