[Use of tympanometry in children].

Tympanometry provides useful informations about the presence of fluid in the middle ear, mobility of the tympanossicular system, and ear canal volume. Its use is recommended in conjunction with other informations as history, otoscopy and general signs in the evaluation of an otologic pathology. Tympanometry can also indicate abnormal pressure in the middle ear, patency of tympanostomy tubes, retracted or perforated tympanic membrane or impaired function of the eustachian tube. It is not reliable in infants younger than seven months because of their highly compliant ear canals.