Copy of Sensorineural Function - Disorders of Ears Flashcards
What structural change occurs in the external ear due to aging?
Atrophy of the external ears
This includes loss of flexibility in the pinna.
What functional change is associated with the hardening of cerumen in older adults?
Dryer, thicker cerumen leading to earwax accumulation
This can result in visible earwax and conductive hearing impairment.
What is presbycusis?
Degeneration of the organ of corti leading to loss of ability to discriminate words or comprehend conversations
It involves loss of cochlear pathway neurons and atrophy of vascular cochlea tissue.
What should nurses assess regarding hearing loss?
Hearing loss, hearing aids, medications, itching, ear drainage, tinnitus, vertigo, ear pain, and environmental exposure to loud noises
Common complaints include ear pain.
What does the whisper test assess?
A simple, quick hearing screening method where an examiner whispers a combination of numbers and letters
The patient repeats them while the opposite ear is occluded.
What is the purpose of audiometry?
To determine the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss
It helps in diagnosing and managing hearing problems.
What does a tympanogram assess?
The movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure in the ear canal
It evaluates the function of the middle ear.
What is the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) used for?
Assessing hearing function, detecting auditory nerve or brainstem disorders, and monitoring hearing loss or treatment
It is especially important for infants and young children.
What does Electronystagmography (ENG) measure?
Ear movements to assess the function of the vestibular system
It helps diagnose conditions like vertigo and inner ear infections.
What is platform posturography used for?
Assessing balance by measuring a person’s ability to maintain stability on a moving platform
It evaluates how the body uses visual, vestibular, and somatosensory information.
Fill in the blank: Conduction hearing loss usually results from an external ear disorder, such as impacted _______.
cerumen
What is otosclerosis?
A condition involving the stapes, resulting in fixation and progressive hearing loss
It is more common in females and often hereditary.
What are the symptoms of tympanic membrane perforation?
Whistling sounds upon sneezing, reduced hearing, purulent drainage, and otalgia (ear pain)
It is usually caused by infection or trauma.
What is Meniere disease?
A disorder of the inner ear causing vertigo, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness, and fluctuating hearing loss
It significantly impacts the quality of life.
What lifestyle changes are recommended for managing Meniere disease?
Low-sodium diet, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
Pharmacologic therapy may include antihistamines and benzodiazepines.
True or False: Nystagmus is always a normal variant.
False
Pathologic nystagmus is associated with vestibular dysfunction.
What is the clinical significance of SHA testing?
It helps evaluate vestibular function and diagnose vestibular disorders
It is considered the ‘gold standard’ for identifying bilateral vestibular weakness.
What is the purpose of middle ear endoscopy?
To visualize and access the middle ear for diagnosis and treatment of various conditions
It allows for a wide-angle view and access to areas difficult to reach.
What patients present a greater risk for certain medical conditions of the ear?
Patients with a recent viral illness, upper respiratory infection, allergy sufferers, smokers, those with stress or fatigue, alcohol users, and those who take aspirin.
These factors can contribute to increased susceptibility to various health issues.
What is the recommended diet for patients needing medical management (regarding the ears)?
Low-sodium (2000mg/day) diet with no caffeine, alcohol.
Dietary modifications are crucial in managing certain health conditions.
What pharmacologic therapy is commonly used to suppress the vestibular system?
Antihistamines, such as meclizine.
Meclizine is effective in managing symptoms of vertigo.
What is the role of benzodiazepines in medical management of ear disorders?
Used in acute instances to help control vertigo.
Diazepam is an example of a benzodiazepine that may be prescribed.
What is the only surgical management mentioned for treating vertigo?
Endolymphatic Sac decompression.
This procedure is considered relatively safe and can be done on an outpatient basis.
How does Endolymphatic Sac decompression work?
It equalizes pressure in the endolymphatic space by inserting a shunt or drain through a postauricular incision.
This technique is favored by many otolaryngologists.
