Ear Diseases Flashcards
What separates the external canal from the middle ear?
Tympanic Membrane (Ear Drum)
The tympanic membrane is crucial for hearing as it vibrates in response to sound waves.
What can cause perforation of the tympanic membrane?
Infection, trauma, pressure changes
Perforation can lead to hearing loss and discharge.
What is Otitis Externa commonly known as?
Swimmer’s Ear
This condition is often caused by moisture from swimming.
What are the common causes of Otitis Externa?
Swimming, trauma, bacteria (S. aureus, Pseudomonas, Proteus)
Bacterial infection is a primary contributor.
What are the symptoms of Otitis Externa?
Severe ear pain, discharge, canal swelling, fever
Pain typically worsens with movement of the ear.
What is the treatment for Otitis Externa?
Topical antibiotics, aural toilet, analgesics
Cotton wick may be used to deliver medication.
What is the most common ear infection in children?
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)
The horizontal Eustachian tube in children contributes to this prevalence.
What are the symptoms of Acute Otitis Media (AOM)?
Ear pain, hearing loss, fever, aural fullness
Symptoms may vary in severity among children.
What is the first-line treatment for AOM?
Amoxicillin
Analgesia and decongestants may also be used.
When should a patient with AOM be referred?
Persistent symptoms, facial nerve palsy, mastoiditis
Referral is critical for potential complications.
What is Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)?
Non-infectious fluid in the middle ear
OME can cause hearing loss and aural fullness without infection.
What are some complications of Acute Otitis Media?
Tympanic Membrane Perforation, Chronic Otitis Media, Acute Mastoiditis, Labyrinthitis, Subperiosteal Abscess, Facial Nerve Paralysis, Meningitis, Brain Abscess
These complications highlight the importance of timely treatment.
What characterizes Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM)?
Persistent infection with ear discharge
CSOM is more common in children from poor hygiene environments.
What can common ear diseases lead to?
Hearing loss and cholesteatoma
What is cholesteatoma?
Abnormal squamous epithelium growth in the middle ear
What are the features of cholesteatoma?
- Chronic discharge
- Conductive hearing loss
Is cholesteatoma benign or malignant?
Benign but destructive
What complications can cholesteatoma cause?
Can erode bone and cause complications
What is required for the management of cholesteatoma?
Surgical management
What does otorrhea refer to?
Chronic liquid discharge from the ear
What are the causes of otorrhea?
- Infection
- Cholesteatoma
- Trauma
What needs to be evaluated for persistent otorrhea?
Possible malignancy
What are the symptoms of cerumen impaction?
- Aural fullness
- Itching
- Hearing loss
- Sensation of discharge
What is the treatment for cerumen impaction?
- Ear drops
- Irrigation
- Manual removal
What triggers Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?
Head movements
What are common symptoms of BPPV?
Brief vertigo lasting seconds
What are the potential causes of referred otalgia?
- Teeth
- Tongue
- Tonsil
- Tube (Eustachian)
- Throat
- Trachea
- TMJ
- Tendon
- Tic (neurological)
- Thyroid
Why is it important to identify normal structures in the ear?
To identify pathologic conditions
What is necessary to identify pathologic conditions in the ear?
Knowledge of normal anatomy
What is the most common cause of otalgia?
Infection
What can otorrhea be secondary to?
Infection or cholesteatoma
What should be ruled out for all masses in the ear?
Malignancy
What are the two types of hearing loss?
- Conductive
- Sensorineural
What are the causes of conductive hearing loss?
Issues in the outer or middle ear
What are the causes of sensorineural hearing loss?
Issues in the inner ear or auditory nerve
