Deafness

Question 1

What is Presbycusis?

Answer 1

Age-related sensorineural hearing loss, typically bilateral and progressive.

Patients often report difficulty in noisy environments and following conversations.

Question 2

Presbycusis - audiometry findings

Answer 2

High-frequency hearing loss, with thresholds worsening with age.

Question 3

What is Otosclerosis?

Answer 3

This condition involves abnormal bone remodelling, leading to conductive hearing loss.

It commonly presents in young adults (20-40 years).

Question 4

Otosclerosis - features?

Answer 4

• Tinnitus
• Possible ‘flamingo tinge’ of the tympanic membrane due to hyperaemia
• Positive family history

Question 5

What is Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion)?

Answer 5

Common in children, peaking at 2 years.

Characterised by:
- Conductive hearing loss as the primary symptom
- Potential developmental delays in speech and language
- Behavioural issues and balance problems

Question 6

What is Meniere’s Disease?

Answer 6

Affects middle-aged adults, presenting with:
- Recurrent vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Sensorineural hearing loss.

Episodes can last from minutes to hours and may include aural fullness.

Question 7

What is Drug Ototoxicity?

Answer 7

Common agents include aminoglycosides (e.g., Gentamicin), furosemide, and certain cytotoxic drugs.

Monitoring is essential to prevent irreversible damage.

Question 8

What is Noise Damage?

Answer 8

Bilateral hearing loss primarily affects frequencies between 3000-6000 Hz, prevalent among heavy industry workers.

Question 9

What is Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)?

Answer 9

Presents with symptoms based on affected cranial nerves:

• Cranial nerve VIII: hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus
• Cranial nerve V: absent corneal reflex
• Cranial nerve VII: facial palsy

Bilateral cases are associated with neurofibromatosis type 2.