MT CH 8 Kt The Ear

Question 1

What is an acoustic neuroma?

Answer 1

A tumor of the eighth cranial nerve sheath; although benign, it can press on surrounding tissue and produce symptoms; also called an acoustic or vestibular schwannoma or acoustic neurilemmoma

Eighth cranial nerve is responsible for hearing and balance.

Question 2

Define conductive hearing loss.

Answer 2

Hearing impairment that results from blockage of sound transmission to the inner ear

Commonly associated with conditions affecting the outer or middle ear.

Question 3

What characterizes Méniére disease?

Answer 3

A disease associated with increased fluid pressure in the inner ear and characterized by hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus

It can lead to progressive hearing loss over time.

Question 4

What is otitis externa?

Answer 4

Inflammation of the external auditory canal; commonly known as swimmer’s ear

Often caused by water exposure or infection.

Question 5

Define otitis media.

Answer 5

Inflammation of the middle ear with accumulation of serous (watery) or mucoid fluid

Can lead to hearing loss if untreated.

Question 6

What is otosclerosis?

Answer 6

Formation of abnormal and sometimes hardened bony tissue in the ear; it usually occurs around the oval window and the footplate (base) of the stapes, causing immobilization of the stapes and progressive hearing loss

Affects the conduction of sound through the middle ear.

Question 7

Define sensorineural hearing loss.

Answer 7

Hearing impairment that results from damage to the inner ear, eighth cranial nerve, or auditory pathways in the brain

Often permanent and can be caused by noise exposure, aging, or disease.

Question 8

What is tinnitus?

Answer 8

A sensation of noises, such as ringing or tinkling, in the ear

Can be a symptom of various underlying conditions.

Question 9

Define vertigo.

Answer 9

An illusion of movement, as of the body moving in space or the environment moving about the body; usually caused by disturbances in the vestibular apparatus

Used loosely to mean dizziness or lightheadedness.

Question 10

What is myringotomy?

Answer 10

Surgical incision of the tympanic membrane; performed to drain the middle ear cavity or to insert a tube into the tympanic membrane for drainage

Helps relieve pressure and fluid buildup.

Question 11

Define stapedectomy.

Answer 11

Surgical removal of the stapes; it may be combined with insertion of a prosthesis to correct otosclerosis

Aims to restore hearing by improving sound transmission.