Immittance audiometry test

The test commonly includes tympanometry, which records eardrum movement, and acoustic reflex measurements, which assess responses from small middle-ear muscles. A probe sits at the entrance of the ear canal and briefly changes pressure while tones are presented. You may feel pressure or hear sounds, but the procedure should not injure an intact ear. Results can suggest fluid, pressure changes, reduced eardrum movement, or an interruption in sound transmission.

Tell the audiologist about ear pain, discharge, recent ear surgery, tubes, or a current infection. Keep the ear canal clear of objects; do not try to remove wax yourself. Stay still and follow instructions while the probe is placed. Immittance testing does not replace a full Hearing Test, because it focuses mainly on middle-ear function rather than the quietest sounds you can hear.

Arrange assessment for ongoing hearing change, blocked-ear pressure, ringing, recurrent infections, or balance symptoms. Seek urgent care for sudden hearing loss, severe spinning dizziness with neurological symptoms, facial weakness, or heavy ear discharge with severe pain. Earwax Buildup can affect hearing and may need safe removal before testing; do not insert cotton buds into the canal.

Ask which parts of the test are planned, whether wax or infection could affect the result, and whether you also need hearing or balance assessment. Request an explanation of each result and the next step if pressure or eardrum movement is abnormal.