inner ear Flashcards
What is Michel Aplasia?
A congenital condition where both the cochlea and semicircular canals are absent. Causes total hearing loss (anacusis). Beginning of 3rd week arrested development.
What is Cochlear Aplasia?
A condition where the cochlea is absent but the semicircular canals may be present. Causes total hearing loss. End of 3rd week arrested development.
What is Common Cavity Deformity?
A condition where the cochlea forms as a cavity rather than a coiled structure. Causes severe-to-profound hearing loss. 4th week arrested development.
What is Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct (EVA)?
A larger-than-normal canal connecting the inner ear to the cranial cavity, leading to fluctuating, progressive, or sudden hearing loss. Maybe present at birth
What are the five main syndromic disorders linked to hearing loss?
W-C-P-U-L (Mnemonic: “We Can Prevent Unwanted Loss”)
- Waardenburg Syndrome
- CHARGE Syndrome
- Pendred Syndrome
- Usher Syndrome
- Long QT Syndrome
What genetic disorder is associated with pigmentation changes and wide-set eyes?
Waardenburg Syndrome
Which syndrome affects multiple organs, including the eyes, heart, nose, and ears?
CHARGE Syndrome (Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia of the choanae, Retarded growth, Genitourinary issues, Ear anomalies)
Which genetic disorder causes both hearing and vision loss over time?
Usher Syndrome
Which genetic disorder involves thyroid dysfunction, EVA, and possible cochlear malformations?
Pendred Syndrome
What is the most common genetic cause of congenital hearing loss?
Connexin 26 (DFNB1) Mutation
What does TORCH stand for in relation to intrauterine infections?
T-O-R-C-H (Mnemonic: “Tiny Organisms Really Cause Harm”)
- Toxoplasmosis (cat feces)
- Other infections
- Rubella
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Herpes
Which infection is the leading cause of progressive and late-onset hearing loss in children?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Which bacterial infection can cause the cochlea to ossify (turn to bone) and lead to severe hearing loss?
Bacterial Meningitis
Which disorder is believed to be caused by excess endolymphatic fluid and results in vertigo, roaring tinnitus, and low-frequency hearing loss?
Meniere’s Disease
What are the four key symptoms of Meniere’s Disease?
HAT-V (Mnemonic: “HAT for Vertigo”)
- Hearing loss (low-frequency)
- Aural fullness
- Tinnitus (roaring)
- Vertigo
Which condition involves sudden, often unexplained hearing loss, sometimes linked to autoimmune diseases?
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)
What does ‘ototoxic’ mean?
A substance or drug that is toxic to the inner ear and can cause hearing loss.
Which medications are known to be ototoxic?
“CAALM” (Mnemonic: “CAALM down, these drugs hurt your ears!”)
- Chemotherapy (cisplatin, carboplatin)
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamycin, mycin drugs)
- Analgesics (aspirin in high doses)
- Loop diuretics
- Malaria drugs (quinine)
What are the two main causes of acquired hearing loss in adults?
Presbycusis & Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
Which frequencies are affected first in noise-induced hearing loss?
High frequencies
Where in the cochlea does noise-induced hearing loss cause the most damage?
Basal end of the cochlea
What is the best way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Wear ear protection and avoid prolonged exposure to loud sounds.
Genetic Syndromes & Hearing Loss mnemonic?
“We Can Prevent Unwanted Loss” (W-C-P-U-L)
TORCH Infections mnemonic?
“Tiny Organisms Really Cause Harm” (T-O-R-C-H)
Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease mnemonic?
“HAT-V” (Hearing loss, Aural fullness, Tinnitus, Vertigo)
Ototoxic Medications mnemonic?
“CAALM” (Chemotherapy, Aminoglycosides, Analgesics, Loop diuretics, Malaria drugs)
