Ear Flashcards
What is the most important but rare complication to be wary of with otitis media?
Mastoiditis
When should antibiotics be considered for otitis media be considered?
Children less than 2 years with bilateral otitis media and children with otorrhoea (discharge) or if there are significant co-morbidities, are systemically unwell or are immunocompromised.
Consider a delayed prescription after 3 days if necessary
How do acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion differ on inspection of the tympanic membrane?
AOM: bulging, red, inflamed looking membrane. If perforation, may be discharge in the canal
OME: dull tympanic membrane with air bubbles or a visible fluid level
What is the most common causative organism of chronic otitis externa?
P. aeruginosa - responsible for >90% of cases
How do sensorineural and conductive hearing loss differ on audiogram?
In sensorineural hearing loss, both air and bone conduction readings will be plotted below the 20 dB (may affect one or both ears).
In conductive hearing loss, bone conduction readings will be normal (between 0 and 20 dB), however air conduction readings will be plotted below the 20 dB line on the chart.
In mixed hearing loss, both air and bone conduction readings will be plotted below 20 dB, however there will be a difference of more than 15 dB between the two (bone conduction > air conduction).
What is the typical presentation of labyrinthitis?
40 year old woman presenting with acute onset vertigo following a recent URTI. May be associated hearing loss, nystagmus, nausea and vomiting.
Usually self-resolves.
Where within the brain do acoustic neuromas typically arise?
The cerebellopontine angle
