What does a type As tympanogram suggest?

A type As tympanogram indicates normal middle ear pressure but reduced compliance. This typically suggests that there may be stiffness in the middle ear system. In clinical practice, the "s" refers to "shallow," which highlights the lower mobility of the tympanic membrane and associated structures.

A type As tympanogram is often associated with conditions like otosclerosis or other forms of middle ear stiffness, where the eardrum and ossicular chain do not move as freely as they should. This diagram helps audiologists evaluate the status of the middle ear and make informed decisions regarding potential hearing aid fittings or medical referrals.

Understanding the characteristics of other tympanogram types assists in comparing results; however, type As distinctly shows a normal pressure situation alongside the specific condition of low compliance, making it a critical finding in audiological assessments.