Tympanometry as a screening tool in the NICU: is it effective?

This study assess the usefulness of the tympanogram as a screening tool for identifying otitis media and serous otitis media in preterm infants. Twenty-six infants from the NICU were assessed on the same day by two examiners using tympanometry and pneumatic otoscopy. The results were recorded separately and compared after all infants were tested. An audiologist independently interpreted each of the tympanogram strips. There was very little agreement between tympanometry and otoscopy results. The tympanogram was not found to be a repeatable or a reliable screening tool for assessing otitis media and serous otitis media in the NICU population. It was concluded that the NICU nurse must be aware of the signs and symptoms of otitis media and serous otitis media. If this diagnosis is raised for an infant in the NICU, careful visualization of the tympanic membrane should be carried out along with referrals to ear, nose, and throat and audiology experts.