ENT Flashcards
(159 cards)
What is otitis externa ?
It is a diffuse inflammation of the skin lining the external auditory meatus.
What is the external auditory meatus ?
External part of the ear that lies between the surrounding environment and middle ear. It is 2cm long and lined with normal skin ending at the tympanic membrane.
What are the clinical features of otitis media ?
Rapid onset
Scanty discharge
Otalgia
Itching
Feeling of fullness
What is seen on examination of the ear in otitis media ?
Meatal tenderness
Narrowed, Oedematous meatus
Erythema and narrowing
Tuning fork may demonstrate mild conductive deafness
What are some causative agents of otitis externa ?
Bacteria - pseudomonas aeruginosa and staph aureus
Fungi - Candida and aspergillus
Allergy
Iatrogenic
What are some risk factors for otitis externa ?
Swimming
Increased humidity
Foreign objects in ear - cotton buds
Trauma to the ear canal
Scratching
Eczema or psoriasis
Diabetes
Previous ear surgery
What is the management of otitis externa ?
Swab ear canal
If pseudomonas give Ciprofloxacin
If not give oral flucloxacillin
Pain relief
What is a complication of otitis externa ?
Malignant otitis externa
What are some causes of noise related hearing loss ?
Occupational - prolonged industrial exposure
Recreational - loud music
Accidental - blast injury or gunfire
What is seen on an audio gram in noise induced hearing loss ?
Notching at 3000,4000 or 6000 Hz with recovery at 8000 Hz
Precise notching depends on the frequency of the noise and the length of the ear canal
What are some clinical features of noise-induced hearing loss ?
Always sensorineural and often accompanied by high-pitched tinnitus
Usually bilateral
Irreversible
What is the management of noise induced hearing loss ?
Cannot be treated as damaged hair cells do not recover
Use of hearing aids
What may be used as a preventative measure for noise related hearing loss ?
Foam - insert earplugs
High usage of noise protection
What is Ménière’s disease ?
A condition of the inner ear which causes sudden attacks of vertigo and tinnitus. It also causes a persons hearing to decrease over time.
What causes Ménière’s disease ?
Not fully understood but could be due to extra fluid in the inner ear called endolymph which could be due to poor drainage.
What symptoms are experienced in Ménière’s disease ?
Tinnitus
Dizziness
Feeling of fullness behind the ear - aural fullness
Nausea and vomiting
Hearing loss
What is the management of Ménière’s disease ?
No cure
Anti-emetics and antihistamines may help reduce the symptoms
What is Presbycusis ?
A progressive condition causing hearing loss that comes on with age. Usually bilaterally and is sensorineural.
What symptoms are present in Presbycusis ?
Hears Slurred or mumbled speech
Struggle to hear higher pitch sounds
Tinnitus
What is the management of Presbycusis ?
Hearing aids may help improve hearing
What is otitis media ?
Inflammation of the middle ear usually associated with a URTI.
What is the management of otitis media ?
Discuss and advise that most infections resolve without antibiotics after 3 days
Pain relief
Decongestants and antihistamines
Consider antibiotics ( amoxicillin 5-7 days )
What are some symptoms of otitis media ?
Ear pain
Ear rubbing
Cloudy eardrums
Bulging ear drums
Redness
What are some complications of otitis media ?
Hearing impairment
Tympanic membrane perforation
Mastoiditis
Meningitis