Ear Diseases

Question 1

What separates the external canal from the middle ear?

Answer 1

Tympanic Membrane (Ear Drum)

The tympanic membrane is crucial for hearing as it vibrates in response to sound waves.

Question 2

What can cause perforation of the tympanic membrane?

Answer 2

Infection, trauma, pressure changes

Perforation can lead to hearing loss and discharge.

Question 3

What is Otitis Externa commonly known as?

Answer 3

Swimmer’s Ear

This condition is often caused by moisture from swimming.

Question 4

What are the common causes of Otitis Externa?

Answer 4

Swimming, trauma, bacteria (S. aureus, Pseudomonas, Proteus)

Bacterial infection is a primary contributor.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Otitis Externa?

Answer 5

Severe ear pain, discharge, canal swelling, fever

Pain typically worsens with movement of the ear.

Question 6

What is the treatment for Otitis Externa?

Answer 6

Topical antibiotics, aural toilet, analgesics

Cotton wick may be used to deliver medication.

Question 7

What is the most common ear infection in children?

Answer 7

Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)

The horizontal Eustachian tube in children contributes to this prevalence.

Question 8

What are the symptoms of Acute Otitis Media (AOM)?

Answer 8

Ear pain, hearing loss, fever, aural fullness

Symptoms may vary in severity among children.

Question 9

What is the first-line treatment for AOM?

Answer 9

Amoxicillin

Analgesia and decongestants may also be used.

Question 10

When should a patient with AOM be referred?

Answer 10

Persistent symptoms, facial nerve palsy, mastoiditis

Referral is critical for potential complications.

Question 11

What is Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)?

Answer 11

Non-infectious fluid in the middle ear

OME can cause hearing loss and aural fullness without infection.

Question 12

What are some complications of Acute Otitis Media?

Answer 12

Tympanic Membrane Perforation, Chronic Otitis Media, Acute Mastoiditis, Labyrinthitis, Subperiosteal Abscess, Facial Nerve Paralysis, Meningitis, Brain Abscess

These complications highlight the importance of timely treatment.

Question 13

What characterizes Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM)?

Answer 13

Persistent infection with ear discharge

CSOM is more common in children from poor hygiene environments.

Question 17

What can common ear diseases lead to?

Answer 17

Hearing loss and cholesteatoma

Question 18

What is cholesteatoma?

Answer 18

Abnormal squamous epithelium growth in the middle ear

Question 19

What are the features of cholesteatoma?

Answer 19

• Chronic discharge
• Conductive hearing loss

Question 20

Is cholesteatoma benign or malignant?

Answer 20

Benign but destructive

Question 21

What complications can cholesteatoma cause?

Answer 21

Can erode bone and cause complications

Question 22

What is required for the management of cholesteatoma?

Answer 22

Surgical management

Question 23

What does otorrhea refer to?

Answer 23

Chronic liquid discharge from the ear

Question 24

What are the causes of otorrhea?

Answer 24

• Infection
• Cholesteatoma
• Trauma

Question 25

What needs to be evaluated for persistent otorrhea?

Answer 25

Possible malignancy

Question 26

What are the symptoms of cerumen impaction?

Answer 26

* Aural fullness * Itching * Hearing loss * Sensation of discharge

Question 27

What is the treatment for cerumen impaction?

Answer 27

* Ear drops * Irrigation * Manual removal

Question 28

What triggers Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?

Answer 28

Head movements

Question 29

What are common symptoms of BPPV?

Answer 29

Brief vertigo lasting seconds

Question 30

What are the potential causes of referred otalgia?

Answer 30

* Teeth * Tongue * Tonsil * Tube (Eustachian) * Throat * Trachea * TMJ * Tendon * Tic (neurological) * Thyroid

Question 31

Why is it important to identify normal structures in the ear?

Answer 31

To identify pathologic conditions

Question 32

What is necessary to identify pathologic conditions in the ear?

Answer 32

Knowledge of normal anatomy

Question 33

What is the most common cause of otalgia?

Answer 33

Infection

Question 34

What can otorrhea be secondary to?

Answer 34

Infection or cholesteatoma

Question 35

What should be ruled out for all masses in the ear?

Answer 35

Malignancy

Question 36

What are the two types of hearing loss?

Answer 36

* Conductive * Sensorineural

Question 37

What are the causes of conductive hearing loss?

Answer 37

Issues in the outer or middle ear

Question 38

What are the causes of sensorineural hearing loss?

Answer 38

Issues in the inner ear or auditory nerve