Tympanometry, impedance, and aural reflex testing in a cleft palate population

Tympanometry, impedance, and aural reflex testing was attempted in 107 cleft palate patients. Sixty percent of the ears could not be evaluated because of obvious otologic abnormalities, suggesting that these procedures are of limited use without prior otologic examination in a cleft palate population. Twenty-eight percent of the ears that were successfully evaluated showed tympanometry, impedance, or aural reflex results that would not be expected on the basis of the otologic findings, suggesting that these procedures are not valid screening devices for otologic abnormalities. HA