Multifrequency tympanometric normalization values in rats

Middle ear resonance frequency values of some animals has been searched at in earlier studies. However, any studies on the resonance frequency measurements of rats has not been found. So that, in our study resonance frequency (RF) value measurements of rats are taken by using multifrequency typanometric (MTF). With our study, it is aimed to define the normalization values of our university, to lighten the further studies on this subject. Totally 32 Spraquey Downey species, healthy, adult, 10 months old rats 16 of which males and 16 females were recruited in our study. Measurements were done by using MTF at 226 Hz and above on all the rats anesthetized. Firstly, tympanogram charts and static admittance values were recorded by using probe tone at 226 Hz. After that, multifrequency tympanometric measuring was performed. Middle ear resonance frequency value was detected between 200-2000 Hz fequency. Eventually, the mean RF value for the male rats was 426,56±193,01 Hz and the mean RF value for the female rats was 496,88±132,55 Hz. A meaningful difference was not detected on the comparison of the mean RF values of male and female rats (p=0,061). Therefore, mean RF value for all rats (64 ears) was counted and found as 461,7±168,02 Hz. In this study, it is seen that the middle ear RF value of rats can be measured. Further studies on the relation between RF and the middle ear features should be continued by recruiting more rats. Keywords: multifrequency tympanometric, resonance frequency, rat, normalization