Tympanometry is a test performed to identify dysfunction of the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum. During the test, a soft, rubber probe is placed on the outside of the ear canal to create an airtight seal. Air pressure inside the ear canal is then quickly increased and decreased to detect how the eardrum moves.

Resources:

• http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/tympanometry.print.html
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/ency/article/003390.htm
• http://www.aafp.org/afp/20041101/1713.html