Ear Examination Flashcards
Which part of the external auditory canal if formed from cartilage?
The outer third is made of cartilage and the inner 2/3 formed from bone
What is the proper name for wax?
Cerumen
What is the role of cerumen/wax?
It has antibacterial properties and is normally slightly acidic
Where should you look when inspecting the pinna?
Look at the pinna itself and BE SURE TO LOOK BEHIND IT
What should be palpated when examining the ear?
Palpate the mastoid for any tenderness which could be a sign of mastoiditis
Palpate the cartilaginous structures of the pinna
What might a post-auricular scar indicate?
Previous mastoid surgery
How does otitis externa present?
Ear pain
Swelling and erythema of the external auditory canal
Pain on movements of the outer ear
Tragal sensitivity
What is an auricular haematoma?
Accumulation of blood between the perichondrium and cartilage, often occurs after blunt trauma.
What is a complication of an auricular haematoma?
If not incised and removed it can cause fibrous organisation leading to cauliflower ear
This surgery should be done within seven days of presentation
What is chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis?
A very painful and tender lesion that develops on the pinna- on the helix or antihelix of the pinna. Tend to be unilateral but may be bilateral. Thought to be due to pressure on the ear, e.g. from pillows
What is auditory exostosis?
Abnormal bone growth that occurs within the ear canal. Triggered by exposure to cold water and wind.
What is a complication of auditory exostosis?
Can obstruct the ear canal- conductive deafness
Reduce clearance of wax increasing risk of infection- otitis externa
How might someone with auditory exostosis present?
Recurrent episodes of otitis externa
Conductive deafness
Exposure to cold water
How can auditory exostosis be prevented?
Use ear plugs
What might be done to treat auditory exostosis?
Surgery can be carried out to relieve the obstruction if causing recurrent issues
When should irrigation (syringing) be avoided for excessive ear wax?
Avoid if the drum is perforated
Gromets within last 1.5 years
Cleft palate
Mastoid surgery
Micro-suction is better so refer to ENT
What is the most common skin cancer to arise on the ear?
Squamous cell carcinoma. Bowen’s carcinoma in situ is the premalignant lesion. Tend to ulcerate and may be painful. Occur on the ears due to sun exposure
What is the normal colour of the tympanic membrane?
Greyish
Redness indicates inflammtion
What is a cholesteatoma?
Destructive and expanding growth consisting of keratinised squamous epithelium. It produces a foul smelling discharge. Erosive process can cause them to erode the ossicles or the base of the skull. Prone to occur where there are retraction pockets, can be due to recurrent middle ear infection creating negative pressures or eustachian tube dysfunction.
What can cause bulging of the tympanic membrane?
Otitis media
What is the name for scarring of the tympanic membrane?
Tympanosclerosis- can occur after inflammation or trauma.
