What Is Tympanometry?
Tympanometry is a quick and painless diagnostic test that helps assess how well your middle ear is functioning. At Wigan Hearing, we use this test to check the movement of your eardrum in response to changes in air pressure.
How Does the Test Work?
Tympanometry is a non-invasive diagnostic test used to evaluate the function of the middle ear by measuring how the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and ossicular chain respond to changes in air pressure.
A small probe is inserted into the ear canal to form an airtight seal. The probe contains a speaker that emits a low-frequency tone and a pump that systematically changes the air pressure in the canal (from negative to positive). A microphone in the probe measures how much of the sound is reflected versus transmitted, effectively capturing how compliant (mobile) the eardrum is at various pressures.
These measurements are plotted as a curve called a tympanogram, with the peak representing the pressure at which the middle ear system is most mobile. From this graph and associated metrics (such as ear canal volume, compliance, and peak pressure), clinicians can infer whether there is fluid behind the eardrum, Eustachian tube dysfunction (negative pressure), perforation, stiffness in the ossicular chain, or other middle ear pathologies.
During tympanometry, a small probe is gently inserted into your ear canal. This probe slightly changes the pressure inside your ear and emits soft sounds.
These actions allow us to monitor how your eardrum moves in response—an important indicator of middle ear health.
Why Might You Need a Tympanometry Test?
This test is helpful for identifying:
Fluid in the middle ear
Blocked or infected ears
A perforated eardrum
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Otosclerosis (where the small bones in the middle ear become fixed)
These conditions can often go unnoticed but may lead to hearing difficulties, balance issues, or ear discomfort.
What Makes Tympanometry Different?
Unlike basic hearing screenings, tympanometry gives us detailed insight into middle ear function. It does not measure hearing directly; rather, it complements hearing tests by showing us what’s happening behind the eardrum.
What Should You Expect?
The procedure only takes a few minutes and is entirely safe. You may feel a light change in pressure—similar to being in a plane—but it isn’t painful. Best of all, you get your results immediately, and our audiologist will clearly explain what they mean.
Why Choose Wigan Hearing?
At Wigan Hearing, we combine tympanometry with other advanced assessments such as:
Video otoscopy
Speech-in-noise testing
3D ear scanning
This means we’re able to offer a complete and personalised understanding of your hearing health.
Book a Tympanometry or Ear Pressure Test in Wigan
At Wigan Hearing, we include free tympanometry testing (middle-ear analysis) whenever you book a hearing test or ear wax removal. Tympanometry is a painless, objective test that measures how your eardrum and middle ear respond to changes in air pressure.
It produces a graph (a “tympanogram”) that gives us valuable information—such as whether there is fluid behind the eardrum, negative middle ear pressure (which may indicate Eustachian tube dysfunction), stiffness in the middle ear bones, or even a perforation.
By combining tympanometry with your hearing test, we can more precisely diagnose conductive hearing problems and provide you with a more accurate treatment plan or hearing aid recommendation.
Book now to get comprehensive care with no extra cost for the tympanometry.
If you’ve been experiencing blocked ears, hearing changes, or frequent infections, tympanometry can help identify the root of the issue.
Visit our independent hearing clinic in Standish for a fast and accurate assessment.
At Wigan Hearing, being independent means we can recommend the very best hearing aids in Wigan without being tied to any single manufacturer — giving you choice, transparency, and truly personalised care.
Unlike high-street chains, our fully HCPC registered audiologist will guide you through options that suit your lifestyle and budget, from discreet daily-wear devices to advanced rechargeable systems. For more trusted guidance, visit BSHAA or the RNID to learn why independence matters in hearing care.
Ready to take the next step? Book your appointment online today or call 01257 444044 to speak with our friendly team in Standish.