6
Diagnosis
Figure 3. Position of the Eustachian Tube
Position of the eustachian tube (red) as it connects the middle ear space to the back of the
nose, or nasopharynx. e child's eustachian tube (right) is shorter, more floppy, and more
horizontal, which makes it less effective in ventilating and protecting the middle ear than
the eustachian tube in the adult (le).
Figure 4. Normal, Type A Tympanogram Result
e height of the tracing may vary, but is normal when the peak falls within the two
stacked rectangles. e A
D
tracing (upper) indicates an abnormally flexible tympanic
membrane and the A
S
tracing (lower) indicates an abnormally stiff tympanic membrane.
e presence of a well-defined peak, however, makes the likelihood of effusion low. With
permission from Onusko E. Am Fam Physician. 2004;70(9):1713-1720.
