Acoustic reflectometry: a new method for studying middle ear effusions in a paedriatric population

Abstract

Middle ear effusions are one of the most common diseases affecting children and requires the demonstration of liquid in the middle ear. When otoscopy is alterated or not clear, tympanometry is an objective tool to confirm the effusion. Acoustic reflectometry is a new aid that has the advantages of being painless, hand-held and easy to use. 

Objective: To evaluate utility of acoustic reflectometry in middle ear effusion's diagnostic. 

Patients and methods: Tympanometry and acoustic reflectometry were performed in 105 children aged between 6 months and 18 years with 204 ears examined. A risk of effusion was considered with an espectral gradient angle from 0 to 64 deg. 

Results: Comparing tympanometry (considered as the gold standard) and reflectometry, a sensibility of 99%, specificity of 57%, positive predictive value of 97% and negative predictive value of 75% were observed. 

Conclusions: We recommend acoustic reflectometry as an objective method for discarding middle ear effusion and suggest this tool may be used in screening the paedriatric population. This would be useful for improving the management of secretory otitis media.