Why Do Ears Plug Up?

In this video, Dr. Barrett from Hearing and Balance Doctors delves into a specific type of audiological testing focused on assessing the movement of the eardrums, a crucial aspect of understanding hearing health. Here's a structured overview:
Introduction:
Dr. Barrett introduces the subject of audiological testing aimed at diagnosing issues within the hearing system.
Eardrum Movement Assessment:
The necessity of understanding eardrum mobility is emphasized, with conditions such as congestion, fluid behind the eardrum, or allergies being potential causes for poor eardrum movement.
Tympanometry Procedure:
A detailed explanation of the tympanometry procedure is provided. This involves placing a pressure probe in the ear canal to create a seal, then applying and varying the pressure from positive to negative to measure how well the eardrum moves in response to these changes. Optimal eardrum movement occurs at atmospheric pressure, and the goal is to determine the eardrum's best movement range.
Understanding Middle Ear Pressure:
Dr. Barrett explains the significance of negative and positive pressure within the ear canal. Ideally, the eardrum moves best with negative pressure, indicating it's being pulled outward. Issues arise when the eustachian tube fails to open properly, leading to negative pressure buildup and a sensation of being plugged up. Normally, swallowing helps equalize this pressure, but dysfunction in the eustachian tube can prevent relief, leaving the individual feeling continuously blocked.
Conclusion and Transition to Further Tests:
The segment concludes with an acknowledgment that understanding eardrum mobility through tympanometry is just one step in the broader diagnostic process, leading to subsequent tests for a comprehensive hearing assessment.
This overview succinctly captures the essence of the segment, highlighting Dr. Barrett's explanation of the importance and methodology of tympanometry in diagnosing hearing issues related to eardrum mobility and middle ear pressure dynamics.
#hearingaids #hearingloss #hearingtest