An exploration method of the Eustachian tube for intact and perforated drums: tubal-impedance-manometry.

The author describes an exploratory method of the Eustachian tube: tubal-impedance-manometry. This method comprises two types of techniques, the one applicable to patients whose eardrum is intact, the other to cases of tympanic perforation. The instrumentation and the examination techniques are described. The discussion allows the results to be incorporated into a clinical perspective: T.I.M. with closed eardrums will deal principally with localizing an eventual tubal problem. On the other hand, T.I.M. with open eardrums will be more specifically viewed as a pre-surgical examination (tympanoplasty).