The acoustic otoscope measures the amount of sound reflected from the tympanic membrane. Since the amount of reflected sound is increased by fluid in the middle ear, it seemed likely that the acoustic otoscope could be used for detection of otitis media. We compared acoustic reflectometry with over 4,000 tympanometric and otoscopic examinations in 451 children who were examined at regular intervals following surgery for chronic otitis media with effusion. The data indicate a lower sensitivity and specificity of acoustic reflectometry than had been reported previously. The receiver-operator characteristics of this device are discussed.
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TeeleDWTeeleJ. Detection of middle ear effusion by acoustic reflectometry. J Pediatr1984; 104: 832–8
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LampeRMWeirMRSpierJRhodesMF. Acoustic reflectometry in the detection of middle ear effusion. Pediatrics1985; 76: 75–8
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AveryCASelent-BinderLALopezLLGatesGA. Evaluation of the acoustic otoscope for detecting middle ear effusion. Abstract presented at the International Conference on Acute and Secretory Otitis Media, Jerusalem, November 1985
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CantekinEIBluestoneCDFriaTJStoolSEBeeryQCSaboDL. Identification of otitis media with effusion in children. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1980; 89 (suppl 68): 190–5
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GatesGAAveryCCooperJCHearneEMHoltGR. Predictive value of tympanometry in middle ear effusion. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1986; 95: 46–50
7.
Endeco Medical. Acoustic OtoscopeTM users manual. May 1983
