Chapter 59 Flashcards
What is a cholesteatoma?
Tumor of the middle ear or mastoid that can destroy structures of the temporal bone
Cholesteatomas can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Define chronic otitis media.
Repeated episodes of acute otitis media causing irreversible tissue damage
This condition often requires medical intervention to prevent further complications.
What does conductive hearing loss refer to?
Loss of hearing in which efficient sound transmission to the inner ear is interrupted by some obstruction or disease process
Common causes include fluid in the middle ear, earwax buildup, or a perforated eardrum.
What is Deaf culture?
A community that consists of a group of people who are connected by their use of sign language
Deaf culture includes shared experiences, values, and norms among deaf individuals.
What is deafness?
Partial or complete loss of the ability to hear
Deafness can vary in severity and impact on communication.
Define dizziness.
Altered sensation of orientation in space
Dizziness can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including inner ear issues.
What is endolymphatic hydrops?
Dilation of the endolymphatic space of the inner ear; the pathologic correlate of Ménière’s disease
This condition is often associated with episodes of vertigo and hearing loss.
What are exostoses?
Small, hard, protrusions in the lower posterior bony portion of the ear canal
Exostoses can be caused by repeated exposure to cold water.
Define external otitis.
Inflammation of the external auditory canal (synonym: otitis externa)
This condition is often referred to as swimmer’s ear.
What is labyrinthitis?
Inflammation of the labyrinth of the inner ear
Labyrinthitis can result in vertigo and hearing loss.
What characterizes Ménière’s disease?
A condition of the inner ear characterized by a triad of symptoms: episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss
The exact cause of Ménière’s disease is not fully understood.
What is middle ear effusion?
Fluid in the middle ear without evidence of infection
This condition can affect hearing ability and may require monitoring.
Define myringotomy.
Incision in the tympanic membrane (synonym: tympanotomy)
Myringotomy is often performed to relieve pressure or drain fluid.
What is nystagmus?
Involuntary rhythmic eye movement
Nystagmus can be indicative of vestibular system dysfunction.
What does ossiculoplasty involve?
Surgical reconstruction of the middle ear bones to restore hearing
This procedure is often necessary after damage due to infection or trauma.
What is otalgia?
Sensation of fullness or pain in the ear
Otalgia can be a symptom of various ear conditions.
Define otorrhea.
Drainage from the ear
Otorrhea can indicate an infection or other ear pathology.
What is otosclerosis?
A condition characterized by abnormal spongy bone formation around the stapes
Otosclerosis can lead to conductive hearing loss.
What is presbycusis?
Progressive hearing loss associated with aging
This type of hearing loss is often gradual and affects high frequencies first.
Define rhinorrhea.
Drainage from the nose
Rhinorrhea is commonly associated with allergies or infections.
What characterizes sensorineural hearing loss?
Loss of hearing related to damage to the end organ for hearing or cranial nerve VIII, or both
This type of hearing loss is often permanent and can result from various factors.
Define tinnitus.
Subjective perception of sound with internal origin; unwanted noises in the head or ear most often described as ringing in the ears
Tinnitus can be a symptom of underlying ear issues or exposure to loud noise.
What is tympanoplasty?
Surgical repair of the tympanic membrane
Tympanoplasty is performed to improve hearing and prevent ear infections.
Define vertigo.
Illusion of movement in which the individual or the surroundings are sensed as moving
Vertigo can be caused by inner ear disorders or neurological conditions.
