Evaluation and Comparison of the Results of Typical Tympanometry and Wideband Tympanometry in Patients with Conductive Hearing Loss

Abstract

Background: Given the wider frequency range and higher accuracy of wideband tympanometry (WBT) as compared to typical tympanometry, and the clinical importance of identifying the causes of conductive hearing loss (CHL), the present study aimed at assessing the diagnostic value of WBT in identifying otosclerosis as one of the causes of CHL. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was performed on 28 patients with CHL. Initially, the air-bone gap (ABG) and the absorbance obtained from conventional tympanometry at 226 Hz and WBT across the frequency range of 226–8000 Hz were measured and recorded for each patient's ears. Additionally, otosclerosis diagnosis was recorded using the typical tympanometry and WBT. The patients subsequently underwent surgery, and a definitive diagnosis of otosclerosis was confirmed. Findings: The results of the present study revealed that typical tympanometry, with a sensitivity of 41.6 and specificity of 25, did not have appropriate diagnostic value in the detection of otosclerosis (AUC = 0.333; P = 0.217); however, WBT, with a sensitivity of 100 and specificity of 50, had significant diagnostic value in the detection of otosclerosis (AUC: 0.750, P = 0.045). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, absorption of WBT in the frequency range of 226-8000 Hz followed a two-peak pattern, which was indicative of a significant and satisfactory diagnostic value of WBT in detection of otosclerosis before surgery. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.