Ear Assessment Flashcards
CN VIII (vestibulocochlear)
transmits sound and equilibrium information from inner ear to the brain
Air conduction
- most efficient
- normal pathway
Bone Conduction
- bypass external ear
- send sound waves/ vibrations to inner ear through skull
Hearing Difficulties
- conductive hearing loss
- sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)
- tinnitus
Conductive hearing loss
sound waves are disrupted by blockage, can see it
(fluid, cerumen impaction)
Sensorineural hearing loss
problem beyond middle ear, dysfunction of nerves
(Inner ear malformations from viral infection/genetics)
Vestibular dysfunction
disease can cause inflammation and loss of equilibrium leading to vertigo
Vertigo
feeling of spinning when you arent
Semicircular canals and vestibules
provide body w/ proprioception and equilibrium
PRIORITY assessment
- foreign object stuck in ear
- foul smelling drainage
- ear trauma
Common complaints
- hearing loss
- vertigo
- tinnitus
- otalgia (ear pain)
- ear infection including otorrhea (ear drainage– swimmers ear)
Psychosocial considerations
- increase risk for depression
- dissatisfaction w/ life
- decrease functional health
withdrawal from social activities
Problems in elderly
- extra cartilage growth
- ototoxic meds
- delayed electrical response
- cerumen build up
- noise exposure
- meniere disease
Meniere disease
in the inner ear where a person gets dizzy and has trouble hearing
Abnormalities
- keloid
- otitis externa
