middle ear Flashcards
What is otosclerosis?
A condition where abnormal bony growth in the inner ear restricts the movement of the stapes, leading to hearing loss.
What are key characteristics of otosclerosis?
Usually bilateral but not symmetrical, 70% hereditary, affects women twice as often as men, most common in Caucasians.
What is the primary surgical treatment for otosclerosis?
Stapedectomy
What is cholesteatoma?
A buildup of dead skin cells in the middle ear that can erode the ossicular chain and cause hearing loss.
What can happen if a cholesteatoma is untreated?
It can destroy middle ear structures, leading to permanent hearing loss.
How is cholesteatoma treated?
Surgical removal and antibiotics (if infected).
What are common causes of tympanic membrane perforation?
Pressure from effusion, foreign object, trauma (blow to the head).
Does a tympanic membrane perforation always need surgery?
No, most heal on their own quickly.
What is the surgical treatment if needed for tympanic membrane perforation?
Tympanoplasty
What does the Eustachian tube do?
It equalizes pressure between the middle ear and the external auditory canal.
What happens in Eustachian tube dysfunction?
The tube does not open, causing negative middle ear pressure, leading to fluid buildup, retracted eardrum, and possible hearing loss.
What are some causes of Eustachian tube dysfunction?
Altitude changes, infections, allergies.
What is otitis media?
Infection or inflammation of the middle ear, often caused by fluid buildup due to Eustachian tube dysfunction.
What are the types of otitis media?
Acute Otitis Media (AOM) – Painful, red eardrum.
Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) – Fluid buildup without infection (clear, purulent, or glue-like).
What is the treatment for otitis media?
Decongestants, antihistamines, antibiotics (if bacterial).
