Ear Disease Flashcards
(31 cards)
Name some symptoms of ear disease
- hearing loss
- tinitis
- vertigo
- otalgia
- ear discharge
- facial weakness
State three types of hearing loss
Conductive, sensorineural, mixed
What is conductive hearing loss?
Problem related to the ear external/middle ear (up to the stapedovestibular joint) impacts hearing
What is sensorineural hearing loss?
Problem related to the cochlear
Where do upper motor lesions spare?
The forehead
Name some signs of ear disease
- external scars
- ear canal abnormalities
- ear drum changes
- mastoid swelling
- facial weakness
- hearing loss
Define otitis externa
Inflammation of the skin of the ear canal
What causes otitis externa?
Water, cotton bud or dermatological conditions, usually begins with a bacterial infection which may lead to a fungal infection
How is otitis externa treated?
Ear drops - antibiotics or steroids
Aural toilet
What is acute otitis media?
Acute inflammation of the lining of the middle ear
What condition does acute otitis media often precede?
Upper respiratory infection
Describe the natural progression of disease of acute otitis media
- Middle ear infection
- Perforation
- Release of pus and pressure
- Healing
How is acute otitis media managed?
80% resolve without antibiotics but amoxicillin or clarithromycin can be given
What is glue ear?
Otitis media with effusion
Name the condition associated with glue ear
Eustachian tube dysfunction - adenoid hyperplasia
What conditions should be considered in adults in otitis media with effusion?
Rhino-sinusitis
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Lymphoma
Describe the tympanogram of glue ear
Flat - type B
How is otitis media treated?
Watchful waiting
Autoinflation
Hearing aid
Grommets
Does tympanic membrane perforation require treated?
No, usually resolves spontaneously
Describe the pathology of cholesteatoma
Ear drum thins and retracts medially to form a retraction pocket. Adhesions form between the pocket and the middle ear contents. Keratin squamous epithelium builds up in the pocket and enzymes dissolve the bone. Bacteria can grow producing discharge.
How is cholesteatoma managed?
Surgical excision and reconstruction (sometimes need to make a hole in the mastoid to form a cavity)
What are the complications of cholesteatoma?
Sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, facial palsy, brain abscess, meningitis, mastoiditis, venous sinus thrombosis
What is otosclerosis?
Abnormal bone formation results in fixation of the stapes footplate
What type of hearing loss does otosclerosis cause?
Conductive hearing loss
