Outer Ear Flashcards
(28 cards)
What are the methods used to identify issues in the inner ear?
Combination of pure tone testing, word recognition, acoustic reflexes, and electrophysiology
What types of hearing loss are associated with retrocochlear characteristics?
Sensorineural hearing loss, central hearing loss, or retrocochlear
What are the characteristics of retrocochlear auditory disorders?
Poor speech-recognition scores, especially compared to pure tone findings
What is an Acoustic Neuroma?
Tumor of the auditory nerve, also known as vestibular schwannoma
What is the typical growth rate and nature of an Acoustic Neuroma?
Usually a slow growing benign tumor in adults
What are common symptoms of an Acoustic Neuroma?
- Tinnitus
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
What happens if an Acoustic Neuroma is left untreated?
It could grow to a size where pressure on the brain or other cranial nerves becomes a concern
What type of hearing loss is typically associated with an Acoustic Neuroma?
Unilateral, high frequency sensorineural hearing loss
What is the significance of word recognition scores in Acoustic Neuroma?
Poorer-than-expected word recognition at loud levels
What should be normal in tympanometry and OAEs for Acoustic Neuroma?
Tympanometry and OAEs should be normal
What is required to confirm the presence of an Acoustic Neuroma?
Needs to be confirmed via MRI
What is Neurofibromatosis Type II (NFII)?
Genetic disorder characterized by growth of noncancerous tumors in the nervous system
What gene is responsible for Neurofibromatosis Type II?
NF2 gene
What is the hallmark sign of Neurofibromatosis Type II?
Bilateral acoustic neuromas
What are common symptoms of Neurofibromatosis Type II?
- Tinnitus
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
What is Cochlear Nerve Aplasia or Hypoplasia?
Absent or underdeveloped cochlear nerve
What percentage of congenital hearing loss is due to cochlear nerve hypoplasia?
About 2%
What are the typical findings in patients with Cochlear Nerve Aplasia or Hypoplasia?
- Profound hearing loss via pure tones
- Present OAEs
- Absent reflexes
What characterizes Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)?
Dys-synchronous firing of the auditory nerve
What is the prevalence of Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder in children?
Between 0.006 percent and 0.03 percent
What are common findings in Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder?
- Variety of pure tone findings
- Grossly abnormal ABR
- Present OAEs
- Absent Reflexes
What are some risks associated with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder?
- Hyperbilirubinemia
- NICU stay
- Neurodegenerative disorders
What are some causes of hearing loss in Central Auditory Systems?
- Cerebrovascular accidents (strokes)
- Hydrocephalus
- Central Deafness
- Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)
What is Hydrocephalus?
Build up of fluid inside the ventricles in the brain
