THEimpedancemetry is an examination that is part of the balance sheet in the event of hearing impairment. It consists in a way of exploring the rigidity of the membrane tympanique and therefore its ability to transmit sound vibrations.

The examination is used to assess the mechanical condition of the sound transmission system, but also the tolerance to loud sounds. 

The doctor can then detect a deafness, a hearing disorder, detect the presence of otitis or fracture or dislocation of the bones.

Let us recall, to better understand, the way in which the sound is transmitted:

• by air conduction: the sound emitted creates vibrations in the air which are picked up by the pinna and the auditory canal of the ear (outer ear). They vibrate the ear-drum which transmits the message to the chain of the ossicles (hammer, anvil and stirrup, middle ear) to the cochlea (inner ear). This transforms sounds into nervous messages that the brain can interpret.

• by bone conduction: in this case, the vibrations applied to the skull are propagated in the bone without passing through the middle ear transmission apparatus.