Tympanometry is a method for simultaneously evaluating the integrity of the tympanic membrane, the ossicles and their attachments, and the air cushion of the tympanic cavity. Four tympanometric characteristics were compared for 100 normal ears, 36 ears with conductive pathological abnormalities, and 27 ears with sensorineural pathological abnormalities. The mean tympanometric curves revealed similar configurations, showing no statistically significant differences. Examples are presented of tympanograms for patients showing scar tissue on the tympanic membrane, abnormal negative middle ear pressure, a fluid-filled middle ear, disarticulation of the ossicular chain in combination with membrane scarring, fracture of the stapedial crura, and a stapedectomized ear. Observable changes on the shape of the tympanogram occur with a change in probe frequency. Tympanometry offers a sensitive tool with which to assess the functional significance of middle ear pathological abnormality.