In grades 3 and above, tympanometry is paired with pure-tone testing for which students?

In grades 3 and above, tympanometry is paired with pure-tone testing for which students?

• A. Only if hearing is perfect
• B. For all students
• C. For students with history of otitis media or who are at risk
• D. Never

Answer: (C)

Tympanometry adds an objective look at middle-ear function to the pure-tone hearing test. In grades 3 and above, pairing these tests is especially used for students with a history of otitis media or who are at risk for middle-ear problems because recurrent or persistent middle-ear issues can cause fluctuating or conductive hearing loss that pure-tone thresholds alone might miss. This combined testing helps distinguish whether a drop in listening ability is due to middle-ear pathology versus a sensorineural issue and signals when medical referral or treatment may be needed. It’s not necessary to screen every student—only those with known risk factors or history benefit most from this targeted approach.

Tympanometry adds an objective look at middle-ear function to the pure-tone hearing test. In grades 3 and above, pairing these tests is especially used for students with a history of otitis media or who are at risk for middle-ear problems because recurrent or persistent middle-ear issues can cause fluctuating or conductive hearing loss that pure-tone thresholds alone might miss. This combined testing helps distinguish whether a drop in listening ability is due to middle-ear pathology versus a sensorineural issue and signals when medical referral or treatment may be needed. It’s not necessary to screen every student—only those with known risk factors or history benefit most from this targeted approach.