When should tympanometry be deferred in children?

Tympanometry is a test used to assess the condition of the middle ear and the mobility of the eardrum by creating changes in air pressure. It is essential to perform tympanometry under optimal conditions to ensure accurate results. When there is drainage in the ear canal, this can affect the measurement taken during the tympanometry procedure. The presence of fluid or drainage can lead to artifacts in the tympanometric readings, as it interferes with the sound transmission and pressure changes that the test relies on.

Prioritizing the integrity of the ear canal is vital for obtaining reliable data. If there is an active ear infection or fluid drainage, it is often more prudent to wait until the ear is clear before conducting tympanometry, to avoid misinterpretation of the results and to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the child's middle ear function.

In contrast, scenarios where children exhibit normal hearing, are calm and relaxed, or show interest in the process do not pose the same complications for tympanometry and hence do not warrant deferral.