Hearing Loss

Question 1

What are some examples of conductive hearing loss?

Answer 1

exostoses, osteomas, otosclerosis, TM perf, OM< tympanosclerosis, tumors/cysts

Question 2

What is otosclerosis?

Answer 2

abnormal bone deposition at the base of the stapes. leads to fixation of the stapes preventing vibration and leads to PROGRESSIVE BILATERAL HEARING LOSS. there is usually a family history, and treatment is hearing aids or surgery.

Question 3

what is tympanosclerosis?

Answer 3

calcifications on the TM in response to infection. ENT referral.

Question 4

if you suspect sensorineural hearing loss, what should you do?

Answer 4

ENT REFERRAL

Question 5

patient has been experiencing symmetric, bilateral hearing loss. patient is elderly. you have been unable to find any other cause of the hearing loss, what do you think it is?

Answer 5

presbycusis. it is a diagnosis of exclusion. loss of high frequency hearing and speech, it is a loss of cochlear hair cell function.

Question 6

what is the most preventable cause of hearing loss?

Answer 6

noise trauma

Question 7

What is Meniere’s disease and the triad of symptoms?

Answer 7

it a labrynthin disorder, uncertain etiology, thought to be caused by increased fluid pressure within the ear.
TRIAD OF SYMPTOMS:
1. episodic vertigo LASTS HOURS
2. tinnitis
3. fluctuating hearing loss (LOW FREQUENCY, UNILATERAL)
TX: self limited, antiemetic for N/V, meclizine for vestibular suppressant.

Question 8

What is an acoustic neuroma?

Answer 8

benign tumor that arises from schwann cells, most common in MIDDLE AGE.

• hearing loss
• tinnitus
• unilateral, gradual
  tx: surgery

Question 9

describe acute labrynthistis:

Answer 9

inflammation of the inner ear. follows a URI. sudden vertigo that LASTS DAYS. tx: antemietic, meclizine

Question 10

what is ringing in the ears?

Answer 10

tinnitus. most commonly associated with hearing loss. it can be bilateral or unilateral.
if it sounds likes…
-heart beat = vascular problem, typically unilateral
-no pulsing = probably sensorineural hearing loss,

Question 11

patient has acute vertigo…LASTS DAYS…no hearing loss…

Answer 11

vestibular neuritis. Tx: symptoms, antiemetic and meclizine.

Question 12

What is BPPV:

Answer 12

caused by canalithiasis. vertigo or spinning sensation that lasts SECONDS. worsens with HEAD MOVEMENT. Perform the Dix-hallpike maneuver.