Effects of Ethnicity and Gender on the Middle Ear Function in Asian Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Tympanometry is a standard clinical test to measure the middle ear function objectively. Ethnicity and gender may affect tympanometric results, and specific normative data are required for diagnosing middle ear disorders accurately. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effects of ethnicity (Malay vs. Chinese) and gender on tympanometric results among Asian adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 young adults aged 20–25 years participated in this comparative study. They comprised two ethnic groups: Malay (n = 31 [14 males and 17 females]) and Chinese (n = 41 [20 males and 21 females]) participants. All participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria (no history of ear and hearing difficulties and normal findings in routine audiological assessments) and underwent a standard 226 Hz tympanometric testing. Tympanometric parameters including static admittance (SA), ear canal volume (ECV), tympanometric peak pressure (TPP), and tympanometric width (TW) were recorded from each participant. Results: No significant differences in all tympanometric parameters were found between Chinese and Malay participants (P > 0.05). However, statistically higher SA and ECV values were noted in males than in females (P < 0.05). No gender effect was observed in TPP and TW (P > 0.05). Conclusions: For a more accurate middle ear evaluation in Malay and Chinese young adults, gender-specific tympanometric normative data derived from this study are recommended.