Hearing testing Flashcards
How might sensorineural hearing loss affect ability to hear sound?
Complete inability to hear sound at all frequencies or at a particular frequency
Give examples of causes of sensorineural hearing loss
Anything that can damage hair cells, cochlear nerve or basilar membrane, i.e. exposure to loud noise, head trauma, infection/ inflammation, ageing
How might conductive hearing loss affect ability to hear sound?
Can hear tones but only at a higher amplitude
Give examples of causes of conductive hearing loss
Infection in ear canal, otitis media, foreign objects in ear, perforated tympanic membrane, ear wax build up etc.
How can results of Webers test be used?
If lateralise to affected ear= conductive deafness (conductive deafness makes it sound louder; BC > AC)
If lateralise to unaffected ear= sensorineural deafness
How can results of Rinne’s test be used?
If BC > AC then its abnormal (i.e. cant hear it when you move the tuning fork from mastoid process to outside ear) = identifies faulty ear
For audiometry, which ear do the red and blue ear pieces fit to?
Red = right ear
Blue = left ear
What setting should you start the audiometre to and how do you adjust this throughout?
30 Db and 1k Hz frequency
- If they hear the sound then decrease by 10 dB at a time until they dont
- If they don’t hear that frequency then increase by 5 dB
- If they hear this then thats the threshold, if they don’t then increase by 5 again etc.
What symbol is used to plot the R and L ear on the graph?
L ear = cross
R ear = circle
What frequencies should be checked with an audiogram?
1K, 2K, 4K, 6K, 8K, then back to 1K to recheck, then 750, 500, 250
What is an air-bone gap? What is abnormal and what does this indicate?
The difference in results of air conduction audiometry to bone conduction
Abnormal if there is no gap = indicates problem of inner ear
How would you introduce the otoscopy procedure to a patient before gaining obsent?
“I would like to use this device to look into your ear, and might need to place my hand on your face and gently pull your ear back. You may find it slightly uncomfortable, but it shouldnt hurt, and if you would like for me to stop at any point then please let me know. Before i start i would like to inspect your ear and then gently feel your outer ear to check for any swelling. Do you have any questions? Are you happy for me to proceed?
How do you position the ear for an otoscope?
Lift the pinna up and back - unless its a child then lift it horizontally and back
How do you hold an otoscope?
Right hand for right ear, then hold it like a pen while resting your hand on the patients face (L hand for L ear)
What should the tympanic membrane look like in terms of colour and shape for a healthy individual?
Pearly grey - translucent
Should be flat
