Current tympanometry instruments allow a quantitative approach to the evaluation of middle ear function in children with otitis media. Conventional 226-Hz tympanograms can be characterized by static admittance, tympanometric width (gradient), tympanometric peak pressure, and equivalent volume. Multifrequency tympanograms obtained with probe frequencies ranging from 226 to 2,000 Hz appear to be sensitive to sequelae of otitis media that are not detected by conventional tympanometry or audiometry.