Tympanometric curves and otosclerosis.

Patients with clinical otosclerosis (28 ears) were examined audiometrically and with an electroacoustic impedance bridge. The results were compared to corresponding findings for normal ears. The tympanometric curves of surgically proven otosclerosis were found to differ characteristically from those of normal ears. A curve typical of footplate fixation shows a rapid increase in acoustic impedance as external auditory canal pressure is reduced from ambient air pressure.