History and examination

Question 1

Ear history taking questions?

Answer 1

• Pain
• Itching (pain+ itching think otitis externa),
• Any preceding illness (URTI),
• Any ear discharge (colour, any blood?)
• Hearing loss? (gradual/sudden, any trauma, URTI, abx, noise),
• Tinnitus?
• Vertigo?
• PMH: previous ear surgery/trauma

Question 2

Vertigo questions?

Answer 2

Duration and frequency of episodes,
Aggravating or provoking factors,
Feeling of fullness in the ear?
Any hearing loss or tinnitus?

Question 3

Rhinology history taking questions

Answer 3

• Nasal obstruction (blocked nose)
• Nasal discharge (colour, blood),
• sneezing,
• Smell disturbence (complete loss/ reduced/ unpleasent smells),
• Nasal or facial pain

Question 4

Mouth, throat and neck history taking questions?

Answer 4

• Sore mouth
• Any non-healing mouth ulcers,
• Sore throat: uni/bi-lateral, trismus, otalgia, any associated dysphagia, odophagia, hoarseness,
• Stridor,
• Dysphagia,
• Neck lumps

Question 5

What is stertor?

Answer 5

Low pitch snoring or gasping during inspiration due to obstruction higher up