Chinn K, Brown OE, Manning SC.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the best time to assess middle ear status with tympanometry for tympanometric instrument validation. The research question addressed three logical times for tympanometric reading prior to myringotomy. METHODS: Fifty-one children, ranging in age from nine months to 10 years, were recruited for this investigation. Participants underwent inhalant anesthesia for myringotomy and grommet placement with or without adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy. Tympanometry data was analyzed across three time periods. RESULTS: Findings indicated that tympanometric readings prior to anesthesia produced the most accurate results. CONCLUSIONS: Implicated in findings, in order to ensure that tympanometric instruments are reliable, typanometric measurements should be taken prior to the administration of any anesthesia.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2005 Feb;69(2):187-92.