Q: Which doctor should I consult for immittance audiometry?
A: An audiologist is qualified to perform and interprets the results of the immittance audiometry.
Q: Should I get a clearance from an ENT specialist before going for immittance audiometry?
A: Usually, an ENT specialist will recommend the requirement of immittance audiometry. Clearance from an ENT specialist will be required if the patient has infection or discharge in the ear canal.
Q: Why should immittance audiometry not be performed on infants less than 7 months of age?
A: The cartilage of the ear canal is not fully developed and is soft in infants less than 7 months of age. This can give false or unclear results of the test.
Q: Can acoustic reflex be elicited in patients who have a hearing impairment?
A: Patients with profound impairment may not show any reflex in response to loud sound. Most patients with normal hearing or mild and moderate hearing loss respond to the loud sound with a reflexive contraction of the stapedial muscle.
Q: After using a probe on another patient, will the same probe be used in my ear?
A: The probe of the instrument has several components that send sound tones, measure pressure levels and receive sound energy. So, the probe cannot be changed. However, the tip of the probe is a changeable soft material that comes in various sizes to provide an airtight seal in the patient’s ear canal. This tip can be changed for each patient.
Q: What is meant by acoustic reflex?
A: Acoustic reflex also known as stapedius reflex is an involuntary muscle contraction which occurs in the middle ear in response to high-intensity sound stimuli.
