Otology Flashcards
Describe otitis media with effusion (OME, glue ear)
sterile collection of fluid in the middle ear cleft resulting in a conductive deafness of 10-40dB and a flat tympanogram
What is the treatment for glue ear?
high spontaneous resolution rate
if glue ear is confirmed then it is revaluated at follow up 3/12
50% resolve
If there is still glue ear then grommets are inserted
How long do grommets last?
Grommets will extrude spontaneously, on average 9 months but retention for 2 years is not unusual
Describe acute suppurative otitis media?
ASOM
this is a bacterial infection of the middle ear
pus forms and pushes the eardrum outwards, this the ruptures and the pus drains. The ear drum heals within 4-5days
What is the treatment for acute suppurative otitis media?
ASOM
first line treatment is amoxicillin and clavulanic acid
myringotomy is required if condition fails to resolve or facial palsy develops
brain abscesses still occur due to neglect or inadequate treatment
What is cholesteatoma?
a disease of deep meatal skin
surgery is the only treatment option
What is chronic suppurative otitis media?
CSOM
a disease of middle ear mucosa
repeated infections
perforation may be present
chronic odourless discharge
How do ear drum perforations (dry) occur?
viral infections in childhood
Treatment for perforated ear drums?
unless causing significant deafness or preventing patient being admitted to a profession or participating in a sport (swimming) they can be left alone
if troublesome grafting can be successful - myringoplasty
When should tumours be suspected?
benign and malignant tumours are both rare
usually occur in ears where previous mastoid surgery has been performed
suspect if patient complains of discharge (blood stained) and associated with pain
What are the intracranial complications of temporal bone infections?
brain abscess otogenic brain abscess extradural abscess sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis subdural abscess meningitis
What is presbyacusis?
hearing loss due to ageing that is wear and tear on the outer hair cells and is the most common causes of sensoineural deafness
Describe the hearing loss seen in presbyacusis?
bilateral and symmetrical hearing loss
high frequency hearing loss is present which mean consonants cannot be heard - this makes speech hard to understand
What is otosclerosis?
familial condition
spongy bone formation around the oval window and as it grows it fuses with the stapes causing a CONDUCTIVE deafness
What is an acoustic neuroma?
benign tumours of the auditory nerve (CN VIII)
early symptom = unilateral hearing loss or tinnitus
early diagnosis is crucial as surgery is more successful on small tumours
What is noise induced hearing loss?
inner ear is damaged by sudden acoustic trauma or prolonged exposure to excessive noise
with prolonged exposure hearing loss may be reversible initially due to cochlear fatigue
What is sudden sensorineural hearing loss?
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
How is sudden sensorineural hearing loss managed?
early = bed rest, vasodilators, carbogen gas, steroids (40mg pred for 5 days)
late = exclude acoustic neuroma
prognosis = low frequency loses recover better then high frequency deficits and severe vertigo is an unfavourable factor
What is ototoxicity?
damage to inner ear caused by drugs
hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo
What drugs cause ototoxicity?
aminoglycosides
diuretics
salicylates
chemotherapeutic agents
How is ototoxicity managed?
prevention is crucial and effects can not be reversed
use non ototoxic alternatives
check renal function!!!
Describe subjective (intrinsic) tinnitus
a hallucination of noises in the head or ears
it is a description of a symptom and not a diagnosis
it may be associated with hearing loss and vertigo
patients can find this unbearable
Describe objective (extrinsic) tinnitus
a noise in the head or ears that can be heard by another individual
e.g. vascular bruits
How should bilateral tinnitus be managed?
reassurance
advice on coping strategies
distraction techniques - radio, ipod
How should unilateral tinnitus be managed?
needs investigating
?vestibular schwannoma
Describe other ways in which patients with tinnitus can be counselled?
hearing aids - improved hearing helps patient ignore tinnitus
sleeping - snooze facility on alarm clock can be useful, or sedation may be required
tinnitus maskers - important adjunct
self help and support groups
What should you do if a patient has unilateral hearing loss or tinnitus?
SCREEN
MRI
?vestibular schwannoma
?acoustic neuroma
What test should you carry out if you suspect Presbycusis?
Audiogram to confirm mixed hearing loss