Evaluation of Immitansmetric Measurement and Acoustic Reflex Tests in Normal Hearing Adolescent Patients with Tinnitus

Acoustic resistance is the phenomenon where part of the sound energy transmitted to the middle ear via the tympanic membrane and ossicles is resisted and reflected back. This study aims to establish normal immittance and acoustic reflex values in adolescents with normal hearing and compare them with those of adolescents experiencing tinnitus. A total of 119 adolescents aged 10 to 19 (61 females, 58 males) participated in the study. Only individuals with normal otoscopic findings were included. Among them, 21 reported unilateral tinnitus complaints. All measurements were conducted using a Maico MI-34 H tympanometer. Immittance evaluations included ear canal volume, compliance, middle ear pressure, and gradient. Acoustic reflex thresholds were measured ipsilaterally and contralaterally for both ears at frequencies ranging from 500 to 4000 Hz. In adolescents without hearing complaints, ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds ranged between 90–95 dB, and contralateral thresholds between 95–100 dB. Elevated acoustic reflex thresholds may reflect auditory issues such as tinnitus, aural fullness, or difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments. Statistically significant differences were observed when comparing adolescents with and without tinnitus. For ipsilateral reflex thresholds, significant differences were found in the left ear at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Contralateral thresholds showed significant differences at 500, 2000, and 4000 Hz in the right ear, and at 2000 Hz in the left ear (p<0.05). Mean immittance values were: ear canal volume 0.96 ml, compliance 0.73 ml, middle ear pressure -47 daPa, and gradient 78 daPa.