What does tympanometry measure in the middle ear system?

Tympanometry is a clinical procedure that measures the admittance (how easily energy is transmitted) and impedance (the resistance to the flow of sound energy) of the middle ear system. The primary objective of tympanometry is to evaluate the functioning of the eustachian tube, the mobility of the tympanic membrane (eardrum), and the overall health of the middle ear structures.

During the tympanometric test, variations in air pressure are created in the ear canal, which enables the assessment of how much acoustic energy is absorbed or reflected by the middle ear. This results in measurements that indicate how well sound can travel through the middle ear by reflecting the conditions within it, such as fluid presence or eustachian tube dysfunction.

While the other options describe different aspects of ear function, they do not specifically relate to what tympanometry measures. For instance, measuring the volume of the ear canal primarily assesses the outer ear rather than the middle ear, and evaluating outer ear flexibility pertains to different mechanical properties not determined through tympanometry. Sound intensity perception deals with how individuals perceive loudness and sound, which is not directly related to the physical measurements tire of the tympanic system. Therefore, the focus on admittance and impedance underscores