Anomalies of the Outer Ear Flashcards
What does idiopathic mean?
Underlying cause is unknown
What is congenital?
Present at birth
What is genetic?
Arising from the genes
What is acquired?
Caused after birth
What is prelingual? Postlingual?
Occuring before or after speech and language development
What is otalgia?
Ear pain
What is erythema?
Redness of skin or membranes
What is edema?
Swelling with excess fluid
What is dysplasia? What type of anomaly is this?
Malformation of the anatomical structure- congenital.
What is auditory canal stenosis? What type of anomaly is it?
Abnormally narrow canal. Can be congenital or acquired by trauma or inflammation! Usually no surgery unless more problems caused by it- cerumen blockages are more likely.
What is auditory canal atresia? What type of anomaly?
Absence of the EAM. Congenital always. Inner ear remains normal but outer and middle are not.
What is microtia?
Abnormally small pinna with different grades I-IV. Grade 4 is anotis. Congenital.
What is anotia? What does it often occur with?
Complete absence of the pinna. Often occurs with auditory canal atresia. Congenital.
What are preauricular lesions? Is surgery necessary?
Consist of pits or tags. Pits are benign congenital malformations of soft tissue that present as a dent or dimple. Typically present on one side but can be bilateral. Tags are epithelium with cartilage present in the stalk. For pits, surgery is necessary for chronic infections, for tags, mostly cosmetic.
What is impacted cerumen?
Most common acquired outer ear anomaly that may cause hearing loss, pain, dizziness…
What are some examples of foreign bodies and trauma?
Toys, bugs, erasers, qtips… Trauma can be cuts, scrapes, or even fractures of bones surrounding the ear. Often the canal will swell around item, attempting to expel it.
What is otitis externa? What is one example?
Inflammation of the external ear. Many types! Cauliflower ear is one example- where boxers who have endured repeated trauma have swelling due to hematomas blocking the flow of nutrients to the ear.
What is acute diffuse otitis externa?
Most common form of otitis externa that is typically seen in swimmers. Usually bacterial infection with a rapid onset that affects entire canal. Treat with antibiotics.
What is acute localized otitis externa? AKA furunculosis
Associated with infection of a hair follicle- abcess of skin that presents as a boil. Resolves on own.
What is chronic otitis externa?
Same as acute diffuse otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) but is of longer duration- >6 weeks. Will continue to spread if left untreated.
What is eczematous otitis externa?
Various dermatologic conditions such as psoriasis, systemic lupus, dermatitis, and eczema that may infect the external auditory canal and cause otitis externa. Will cause itching and drying.
What is necrotizing/malignant otitis externa?
Infection that extends into the deeper tissues adjacent to the external auditory canal- occurs in immunocompromised adults. Will erode away landmarks as it continues it’s path untreated.
What is otomycosis?
An infection of the ear canal from a fungal species occurring more often in humid climates.
What are exostoses?
Bony growths that form in external ear canal as a protective mechanism against cold water.
What is an osteoma?
Bony growth of temporal bone that can grow to obstruct canal and cause pain and hearing loss. Only an issue if it is too large. One side as opposed to exostoses.
What is a granuloma?
Blood vessel covered cyst that may cause patient’s to hear hearbeat in ear.
What is a lesion?
Disorder or insult affecting the auditory system
