Disorders of the Ears Flashcards
What is Otitis media?
a middle ear infectio of the space immediately behind the eardrum
What types of Otitis media are there?
acute and chronic
What is the cause of acute otitis media and what are the symptoms?
it can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection, symptoms include pain with a red bulging or burst eardrum, fever, lack of appetite, and vomiting
What is the treatment plan for acute otitis media?
it can resolve on its own with use of pain-relieving medications, but the patient is often treated with antibiotics if symptoms do not improve within 1-2 days
What causes chronic otitis media and what are the symptoms?
chronic otitis media can be caused by an unresolved ear infection, a block in the Eustachian tube, ear injury, or environmental factors. Symptoms are the same as an acute infection but can lead to decreased hearing, speech and balance problems, and changes to the eardrum
What are the treatment options for chronic otitis media?
a myringotomy can be performed to drain excess fluid and relieve ear pressure
What is a vestibular disorder?
an issue with your vestibular system, which controls your balance and is made up of the inner ear and parts of the brain
What are the two common symptoms of vestibular disorders?
vertigo and tinnitus
What is vertigo?
the sensation that you or the environment around you is moving or spinning
What else can cause a vestibular disorder that results in vertigo?
collection of calcium in the inner ear, inflammation, and certain infections
What is used to treat vertigo?
antihistamines or oral corticosteroids
What is tinnitus?
a non auditory internal sound, it is usually referred to as ringing in the ears but can manifest as different sounds such as buzzing, hissing, humming, chirping, or roaring
What is the treatment for chronic tinnitus?
there is no cure but the symptoms can be managed using a hearing aid or sound masking
What causes motion sickness?
when the signals from your eyes and ears to the brain do not match
What are symptoms of motion sickness?
a queasy feeling with cold sweats, that may lead to dizziness or nausea and vomitiing
