Ear Flashcards
where does an auricular hematoma develop?
between the perichondrium and auricular cartilage
if an auricular hematoma goes untreated?
- compromised blood supply to cartilage and fibrosis of skin occurs
- deformed auricle (boxer’s ear)
what must occur in order for an otoscope to be placed in a patient’s ear?
pulling the helix of ear up, out, and back to straighten the external acoustic meatus
the handle of the malleous is usually visible near what in an otoscopic examination?
center of the tympanic membrane (umbo)
what is otitis externa?
inflammation of external acoustic meatus
what causes otitis externa?
bacterial infection of skin lining meatus or not cleaning ears after swimming
what is otitis media?
inflammation of middle ear
what are symptoms of otitis media?
earache and red tympanic membrane
otitis media often occurs secondary to what?
upper respiratory infections
if otitis media is untreated, what can happen?
impaired hearing due to scarring of auditory ossicles
perforation of tympanic membrane can be caused by?
- otitis media
- foreign bodies in external ear
- trauma
- excessive pressure
where are incisions to treat a middle ear abscess (myringotomy) performed?
postero-inferiorly through membrane (less vascular)
how are chronic otitis media infections treated?
with tympanostomy or pressure equalizing tubes
what is mastoiditis?
infections of mastoid antrum and cells from otitis media that causes inflammation of mastoid processes
where can mastoiditis spread in children?
superiorly into middle cranial fossa through the petrosquamous fissure (osteomyelitits of tegmen tympani)
how can an infection pass from the nasopharynx to the tympanic cavity?
pharyngeotympanic tube
what is hyperacusis or hyperacusia?
excessive acuteness of hearing resulting from uninhibited movements of stapes from paralysis of stapedius muscle (CN VII lesion)
how does motion sickness occur?
discordance between vestibular and visual stimulation (otoliths stimulate vestibular nerve)
what are the three major symptoms of injuries to the peripheral auditory system?
- hearing loss
- vertigo
- tinnitus
what is conductive hearing loss?
results from anything in external or middle ear that interferes with conduction of sound
what is sensorineural hearing loss?
results from defects in the pathway from the cochlea to the brain
how can hearing be restored in an individual with damage to the hair cells of the spiral organ?
cochlear implants
what is meniere syndrome?
excess endolymph production or blockage of endolymphatic duct
what are the symptoms of meniere syndrome?
hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus
