Ears and Hearing

Question 1

Pinna

Answer 1

entire outer ear

Question 2

Tragus

Answer 2

cartilage in front of ear canal

Question 3

Mastoid process

Answer 3

bone right behind the ear lobe

Question 4

When a patient has an ear infection, which part of the ear is typically painful?

Answer 4

mastoid process

Question 5

Describe a healthy tympanic membrane

Answer 5

neutral position, pearly gray, translucent, slight light reflection, brisk response to changes in pressure

Question 6

What is the proper way to position the ear when examining it?

Answer 6

pull the ear up and back with otoscope upside down

Question 7

Why do infants get ear infections more than adults?

Answer 7

Infant eustachian tube is shorter, wider, and more horizontal

Question 8

What happens to the inner ear in adults 65 and older?

Answer 8

the cilia lining the inner ear canal becomes coarse and stiff
cerumen buildup increases
presbycusis occurs

Question 9

Presbycusis in older adults is and is caused by what?

Answer 9

hearing loss

caused by gradual nerve degeneration

Question 10

Tinnitus can be related to which two things

Answer 10

medication

occupation

Question 11

What size speculum should be used on the otoscope when examining the ear?

Answer 11

largest that will fit easily

Question 12

The cone of light will appear where in the right ear?

Answer 12

at 5 o’clock

Question 13

The cone of light will appear where in the left ear?

Answer 13

at 7 o’clock

Question 14

How is the whisper test performed?

Answer 14

stand 1-2 feet behind the person occlude one ear, whisper a 2 syllable word or a set of 3 random numbers/letter

Question 15

What test can be done to assess equilibrium?

Answer 15

Romberg

Question 16

Positive vs. negative romberg test

Answer 16

positive if patient closes eyes and sways excessively or falls
negative if patient closes eyes with minimal swaying and remains balanced