Precision of acoustic reflectometry with recorder in acute otitis media.

There have been conflicting reports about the accuracy of the acoustic reflectometer in detecting middle ear fluid. A recording device connected to the reflectometer prints a graph showing the value of reflectivity to 0.1 unit. Twenty-four ears of children with suspected acute otitis media were studied. Ten reflectivity values were obtained for each patient. The mean standard deviation was 0.20 unit. Thus the imprecision of the instrument previously reported can be overcome by the recording device.