Middle Ear Pathologies Flashcards
What is Otitis Media (OM) with Effusion?
Swelling of the middle ear space with fluid buildup.
Fluid can become infected if left unchecked.
What is the presentation of an Otitis Media with Effusion?
Presents as a flat tymp and flat CHL
What treatment is used for OM w/Effusion?
- Typically resolves on its own
- Can be treated with antibiotics
- Can be treated with myringotomy for severe or chronic cases.
Which population is affected by OM w/Effusion?
- Children due to immature Eustachian tube
2. Common in kids with craniofacial anomalies
What is ossicular discontinuity (OD)?
Condition where the ossicles become detached or dislocated
What causes OD?
- Physical trauma
- Cholesteatoma
- Chronic OM
What is the presentation of OD?
Causes CHL of 30-50dB for complete discontinuity
What is the treatment for OD?
Must be sugically repaired to partially restore middle ear function
For OD treatment, what does the surgical success depends on?
The extent of the damage
Which population is OD more common in?
- Patients with history of temporal bone fracture
2. Continuous OM and Choleseotoma
What is Otosclerosis?
Abnormal growth that causes fixation of the stapes in the oval window
T/F: Otosclerosis runs in the family and is thought to be hereditary.
T
What is the presentation of Otosclerosis?
- Causes CHL or MHL
2. Characteristic is a dip in bone conduction at 2kHz with better thresholds at 4kHz
What is the common name association with Otosclerosis on the audiogram?
Carhart’s Notch
What is the treatment for Otosclerosis?
- Amplification
- Stapes surgery in severe cases
- Drugs and vitamins can be used to help support healthy bones
Which population is affected the most with Otosclerosis?
- Develops in young adulthood
- Progress throughout life
- More common in women than men
- Can be brought on by pregnancy
What is Cholesteatoma?
An infectious growth of dead skins in the middle ear & smells
T/F: Cholesteatoma has bad smell due to infectious nature?
T
What occurs if Cholesteatoma is left untreated?
- Spread to surrounding tissues
- Cause meningitis
- Facial nerve paralysis
- Vertigo
- Bone erosion
What is the treatment options for Cholesteatoma?
- First treated with antibiotics
2. May require surgical removal and repair of damaged structures in ME.
Cholesteatoma is common in?
Patients with a history of recurrent OM
What is a Glomus Tumor?
Benign growths in the vasculature of the head and neck
Where does the Glomus Tumor normally grows?
Around the carotid or jugular vein.
What is the presentation of a Glomus Tumor?
- Visible during otoscopy
2. Looks like an angry red mass
What can occur if the Glomus Tumor continues to grow?
As it grows, it can press against structures of the ME & IE to cause hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or pain/bleeding
What is the treatment for Glomus Tumor?
Can be surgically removed or treated with gamma knife if it starts causing problems
T/F: Glomus Tumors are asymptomatic?
T
Which population is affected by Glomus Tumors and why?
Often diagnosed in older adults than younger adults due to younger adults being asymptomatic since the tumor is small
What is Mastoidits?
Infectious swelling of the mastoid bone
What is the presentation for Mastoidits?
- Painful swelling behind the ear
2. Left untreated, can lead to meningitis or other brain infections and death
How is Mastoidits treated?
- Antibiotics
2. Surgery to remove infected tissue in mastoid bone
For Mastoidits, as an Audiologist, what should you be mindful of?
EMIs since a mastectomy causes changes in the outer ear, there’s extra space between the second bend
What population is affected my Mastoidits?
Common in kids where recurrent OM gets into mastoid air space through tympanic aditus and antrum.
