Tympanometric norms for Chinese young adults

OBJECTIVE: To obtain tympanometric norms in Southern Chinese young adult population and compare the results with data obtained for a Caucasian population. DESIGN: Ear canal volume (Vea), tympanometric compensated static acoustic admittance (Peak Ytm), tympanometric width (TW) and tympanometric peak pressure (TPP) were obtained on 100 Southern Chinese young adults. Results were compared with findings from Roup et al. (1998). Inter-tester reliability was established. RESULTS: Compared with the results obtained by Roup et al. (1998) on non-Hispanic Caucasian population, Southern Chinese subjects were found to have lower Peak Ytm, wider TW and more positive TPP values. No gender difference was noted for Peak Ytm, TW and TPP values in Chinese subjects. Inter-tester reliability was good. CONCLUSION: The tympanometric norms obtained in this study are recommended when evaluating middle ear function among Southern Chinese young adults.