Audiology: tympanometry: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Audiology: tympanometry

Sample item

A tympanogram shows a flat curve (type B) with a normal ear canal volume in a child. What is the most likely condition?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Middle ear effusion

A type B tympanogram, a flat curve with no peak, indicates that the drum does not move, as with fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion) or a thickened drum. Type A is normal, type As (shallow) is seen with stiff systems such as otosclerosis, and type Ad (deep) with a flaccid drum or ossicular discontinuity. A flat curve with a large canal volume indicates a perforation.

Option by option

  • A. Otosclerosis

    Otosclerosis gives a low-compliance type As curve.

  • B. Middle ear effusion (correct)

    Correct. A flat trace with normal volume suggests middle ear fluid.

  • C. Ossicular discontinuity

    Ossicular discontinuity gives a very high-compliance type Ad curve.

  • D. Normal middle ear

    A normal middle ear gives a type A curve with a clear peak.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, Middle ear effusion. A type B tympanogram, a flat curve with no peak, indicates that the drum does not move, as with fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion) or a thickened drum.

Why is "Otosclerosis" not the answer?

Otosclerosis gives a low-compliance type As curve.

Why is "Ossicular discontinuity" not the answer?

Ossicular discontinuity gives a very high-compliance type Ad curve.

Why is "Normal middle ear" not the answer?

A normal middle ear gives a type A curve with a clear peak.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Audiology: tympanometry in ENT. Type A is normal, type As (shallow) is seen with stiff systems such as otosclerosis, and type Ad (deep) with a flaccid drum or ossicular discontinuity. A flat curve with a large canal volume indicates a perforation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Audiology: tympanometry?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.