WIDEBAND ABSORBANCE PATTERNS IN ADULTS WITH CENTRAL AND MARGINAL TYMPANIC MEMBRANE PERFORATION

Introduction This study aimed to investigate the impact of central and marginal tympanic membrane perforations (TMP) on wideband absorbance (WBA) and compare it with normal ears. Material and methods Three groups of individuals, aged 18 to 50 years: Group I with central TMP (<i>n</i> = 65), Group II with marginal TMP (<i>n</i> = 13), and Group III with normal middle ears (<i>n</i> = 20) were considered. WBA measurements were performed at peak and ambient pressure conditions across frequencies. Results Significant differences in WBA were observed between the groups with central and marginal TMP and the normal ear group across all frequencies. Central TMP exhibited decreased absorbance at low frequencies and increased absorbance at high frequencies, peaking at 5000 Hz. Marginal TMP showed peaks at 600, 4000, and 6000 Hz with decreased absorbance at 2000 Hz. Central TMP exhibited lower absorbance than marginal TMP at lower frequencies, while marginal TMP showed decreased absorbance at mid and high frequencies. Conclusions These findings highlight the role of WBA in differentiating normal ears from those with TMP. Understanding TM vibration patterns and frequency-dependent variations in absorbance enhances diagnostic accuracy and clinical management.