Ear Disorders Flashcards
External Otitis
Inflammation or infection of the epithelium of the auricle and ear canal
causes of external otitis
· Swimmers ear: due to chemical and contaminated water
· Using a sharp object in ear
· Bacteria: pseudomonas aeruginosa
· Fungi: Candida Albicans and Aspergillus
clinical manifestation of external otitis
· Ear pain (otalgia) is the first signs
· Discomfort may be during chewing, moving the auricle, pressing on the tragus
· May have serosanguinous or purulent drainage
Fever
diagnosis of external otitis
Diagnosed by otoscopic examination of the ear canal
Culture and sensitivity may be done
management of external otitis
· Moist heat
· Mild analgesics
· Topical anesthetic drops
· Antibiotics and corticosteroids
· Improvement may be seen in 48 hours, but antibiotic needs to be completed
When applying ear drops
· Wash hands before applying
· Drops should be room temperature
· Cold drops can cause vertigo
· Tip of dropper should not touch the ear during application
· Position ear so that the drops can run into the canal
Patient should stay in this position for 2 minutes to allow the drops to spread
Prevention of External Otitis
· Do not put anything in your ear canal unless requested by your HCP
· Report itching if it becomes a problem
· Earwax is normal (it lubricates and protects the canal, but report chronic excess cerumen if it impairs your hearing)
· Keep ears as dry as possible
Acute otitis media
: infection of the tympanum, ossicles and space of the middle ear
causes of Acute otitis media
· Swelling of the auditory tube from colds or allergies can trap bacteria
· Pressure from the inflammation pushes on the TM, causing it to become red, bulging, and painful.
· Infection can be due to viruses or bacteria.
Otitis media with effusion
inflammation of the middle ear with a collection of fluid in the middle ear space
Clinical Manifestations of Chronic Otitis Media
· Purulent exudate and inflammation that can involve the ossicles, auditory tube and mastoid bone
· Painless, hearing loss, nausea and episodes of dizziness
· Hearing loss is a complication from inflammatory destruction of the ossicles, a TM perforation, or accumulation of fluid in the middle ear space
treatment for otitis media
· IV or oral antibiotics
· Tympanoplasty (myringoplasty) involves reconstruction of the TM and/or the ossicles
post op for otitis media
· Impaired hearing is expected
· A cotton ball dressing is used for the incision
· Instruct the patient to change the cotton packing as needed.
After Ear Surgery
· Sleep on back or unoperated ear for 1 week
· Avoid air travel and sun exposure for 6 weeks
· If you need to cough, keep your mouth open
· Do not shampoo hair for 5 days, wear shower cap when bathing
· Blow nose gently, without blocking either nostril
· No swimming, keep ear dry for 6 weeks
· You may resume strenuous activity and contact sports in 1 month
· Change ear dressing as prescribed
Report excess drainage or severe dizziness to HCP
Meniere’s disease
Abnormal condition within the labyrinth of the inner ear that can lead to a progressive loss of hearing. The symptoms are dizziness or vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
