Paediatric - ENT

Question 1

Tympanometry measures what and why would you use it?

Answer 1

Middle ear pressure + Hearing loss

Question 2

Name a cause of Otitis externa

Answer 2

Substance entering ear (shampoo/hairspray), swimming, hot weather, skin problems (eczema/psoriasis), excessive earwax, Otitis media (discharge)

Question 3

Treatment of Otitis media vs Otitis externa

Answer 3

Media: usually resolves by itself, painkillers (PCM/IBU), Abx if severe
Externa: Ear drops, painkillers, ear wick/canal cleaning, Abx, Referral

Question 4

What are grommets and how long do they stay in?

Answer 4

tiny tubes which are inserted into the eardrum, allowing air to pass through the eardrum, which keeps the air pressure on either side equal.
usually stays in place for six to 12 months and then falls out

Question 5

What is the most common cause of hearing impairment in childhood

Answer 5

Glue ear (otitis media with effusion)

Question 6

Name a complication of glue ear

Answer 6

Conductive hearing loss.
Speech and language development issues, and communications skills difficulties.
Chronic damage to the tympanic membrane

Question 7

Name a risk factor for glue ear

Answer 7

Cleft palate (causing impaired function of the eustachian tube)
Down’s syndrome (impaired immunity and mucosal abnormality increasing susceptibility to infection).
Primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Allergic rhinitis

Question 8

How long does glue ear take to resolve?

Answer 8

usually resolves spontaneously within 3 months