Effects of Ethnicity and Gender on the Middle Ear Function in Asian Adults
Tympanometry is a standard clinical test to measure the middle ear function objectively. Ethnicity and gender may affect tympanometric results, and specific normative data are required for diagnosing middle ear disorders accurately. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effects of ethnicity (Mala...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
2017
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://eprints.usm.my/35721/ http://eprints.usm.my/35721/1/Aw_Cheu_Lih_IndianJOtol23294-817332_224213.pdf |
| Summary: | Tympanometry is a standard clinical test to measure the middle ear function objectively. Ethnicity and gender may affect
tympanometric results, and specific normative data are required for diagnosing middle ear disorders accurately. Aim: This study aimed to
determine the effects of ethnicity (Malay vs. Chinese) and gender on tympanometric results among Asian adults. Materials and Methods: A
total of 72 young adults aged 20–25 years participated in this comparative study. They comprised two ethnic groups: Malay (n = 31 [14 males
and 17 females]) and Chinese (n = 41 [20 males and 21 females]) participants. All participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria (no history of ear
and hearing difficulties and normal findings in routine audiological assessments) and underwent a standard 226 Hz tympanometric testing.
Tympanometric parameters including static admittance (SA), ear canal volume (ECV), tympanometric peak pressure (TPP), and tympanometric
width (TW) were recorded from each participant. Results: No significant differences in all tympanometric parameters were found between
Chinese and Malay participants (P > 0.05). However, statistically higher SA and ECV values were noted in males than in females (P < 0.05).
No gender effect was observed in TPP and TW (P > 0.05). Conclusions: For a more accurate middle ear evaluation in Malay and Chinese
young adults, gender‑specific tympanometric normative data derived from this study are recommended. |
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