title: Modern acoustic reflectometry: accuracy in diagnosing otitis media with effusion.
abstract: We conducted a study of 80 patients to evaluate the accuracy of a commercially available acoustic reflectometer in identifying the presence or absence of otitis media with effusion (OME). This device assesses bilateral tympanic membrane mobility and, by inference, middle ear status. We found that it was most accurate in patients with normal and grossly fluid-filled ears. We recommend screening with this acoustic reflectometer to rule out OME in adult and pediatric patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Oakland, CA 94611-5693, USA.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Babb
authors.forename: Raymond L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Hilsinger
authors.forename: Harold W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Korol
authors.forename: Robert D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Wilcox
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D038781:Otoscopy