How will you assess the ear?
Inspection
Palpation
Cranial nerve assessment
How will you communicate with a patient who has hearing loss?
Use a low-tone, normal voice Speak slowly and distinctly Reduce background noise and distractions Face the person and get their attention Speak into the less impaired ear Use gestures and facial expressions If necessary, write out information or obtain a sign language translator
What is the management for a patient who has cerumen impaction?
Removal may be by irrigation, suction, or instrumentation
What is otitis externa? manifestations? treatment?
infection of external ear
What is otitis media? manifestations? treatment?
infection of middle ear
What is the difference between tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy?
Reconstruction of the tympanic membrane
Removal of diseased bone, mastoid air cells, and cholesteatoma to create a noninfected, healthy ear
Differentiate dizziness, vertigo, and nystagmus
Dizziness: any altered sense of orientation in space
Vertigo: the illusion of motion or a spinning sensation
Nystagmus: involuntary rhythmic movement of the eyes associated with vestibular dysfunction
What is the etiology and management of BPPV?
Displacement of otolith
Anti-vertigo
Canalith Repositioning (Epley Maneuver)
What is Meniere’s Disease? What are the hallmark manifestations of this condition?
Abnormal inner ear fluid balance cause by malabsorption of the endolymphatic sac or blockage of the endolymphatic duct
Manifestations include triad of symptoms: episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss.
What is the treatment for Meniere’s Disease?
Low-sodium diet; 1,000-1,500 mg/day
Meclizine (Antivert); tranquilizers-valium, antiemetics-promethazine, and diuretics may also be used
Surgical management to eliminate attacks of vertigo; endolymphatic sac decompression, middle and inner ear perfusion, and vestibular nerve sectioning
