Otology Flashcards
Portions of the temporal bone
- Squamous
- Petrous
- Mastoid
- Tympanic
The geniculate ganglion is dehiscent without bony covering about what percentage of temporal bones?
10-20%
Fissures of santorini
natural fissures in anterior cartilaginous ear canal that allow spread of disease to superficial parotid
Bony and cartilaginous makeup of EAC
- Lateral one third is cartilaginous with cerumen glands and hair follicles.
- Medial two thirds are boney with no cerumen glands or hair follicles
Foramen of Huschke
Anterioinferior bony defect that typically obliterates during development (failure of fusion of greater and lesser tympanic spines). Patency allows spread of disease to the deep parotid lobe/TMJ/ glenoid fossa or infratemporal fossa
Prussack’s space
Space medial to pars flaccida and lateral to malleus neck
Cochleariform process
Where the tensor tympani tendon takes a 90 degree turn from the medial wall of the middle ear and inserts onto the malleus
Why is the long process of the incus predisoposed to erosion?
Because it only has a single blood supply without collaterals
What innervates the stapedial tendon?
Facial nerve
What innervates tensor tympani?
V3
Course of the facial nerve
- Exits the brainstem (cisternal or CPA portion 14-17mm)
- Enters the porus of the IAC and courses to the fundus (meatal portion 8-10mm)
- Labryinthine segment (3-5mm): narrowest portion and completely enclosed by bone, most susceptible to compression from edema and trauma
- Geniculate ganglion at the first genu of the facial nerve
- Tympanic segment: facial nerve enters just posterior and superior to the cochleariform process, courses over the superior border of the oval window (10-12mm), dehiscent in up to 25-55% of temporal bones
- Second genu
- Mastoid segment (12-15mm)
- Exits as stylomastoid foramen
Air cell tracts of mastoid bone
- Sinodural
- Retrofacial and retrolabryinthine
- Subarcuate
- Perilabryinthine
- Peritubal
Central auditory pathway
Auditory nerve -> cochlear nuclei (dorsal cochlear nucleus, anterior ventral and posterior ventral cochlear nucleus) -> superior olivary complex -> lateral lemniscus -> inferior colliculus -> medial genicular body -> auditory cortex
- majority of auditory fibers in posterior ventral cochlear nucleus cross midline
Stapedius reflex
Auditory nerve -> cochlear nucleus -> bilateral superior olivary nucleus -> bilateral facial motor nuclei -> bilateral stapedius tendon
Semicircular canals and firing rates
Excitatory signal with angular acceleration in the direction of the leading canal and inhibitory in the coplanar, lagging canal
Ampulopetal flow (toward the vestibule) of the endolymph in the lateral canals is excitatory. Ampulofugal flow (away from vestibule) of the endolymph in the superior and posterior canals is excitatory
Otolithic organs (linear accelerometers)
Saccule: vertical acceleration
Utricle: horizontal acceleration, head tilt
Innervation of SCC and otolithic organs
- Superior vestibular nerve: utricle, superior SCC, lateral SCC
- Inferior vestibular nerve: saccule, posterior SCC
Eustachian tube make up
- Two thirds cartilaginous, one third bony
- Tensor veli palatini is the primary dilator
Ostmann fat pad
Metabolically sensitive adipose in the lateral wall of the Eustachian tube distally (rapid weight loss can atrophy the fat pad and results in patulous Eustachian tube syndrome)
Five waves of ABR
- Distal (lateral) eighth nerve
- Proximal (medial) eighth nerve
- Cochlear nucleus
- Superior olivary complex
- Lateral lemniscus/ inferior colliculus
what would use see on objective auditory measures in auditory neuropathy
No ABR but present OAEs and cochlear microphonic
Pathway of cVEMP
acoustic energy -> saccule -> inferior vestibular nerve -> vestibular nuclei -> ipsilateral spinal accessory nucleus -> relaxation of SCM
Acute otitis externa bugs
- 90% bacteria: pseudomonas, s. epidermidis, staph aureus
- 2-10% fungus/other: aspergillus, candida
Imaging characteristics of cholesterol granuloma
CT: air cell trabecular breakdown, expansile
T1: hypertinense
T2: hyperintense, unchanged with fat saturation
T1+contrast: no enhancement
Imaging characteristics of mucocele
CT: air cell trabecular breakdown, expansile
T1: hypointense
T2: hyperintense
T1 + contrast: rim enhancement
Imaging characteristics of cholesteatoma
CT: air cell trabecular breakdown, expansile
T1: hypointesne
T2: hyperintense
T1+ contrast: may have rim enhancement if granulation tissue present
DWI restriction, bright signal
Imaging characteristics of vestibular schwannoma
T1: isointense to brain
T2: slightly hyperintense
T1+ contrast: enhances
Imaging characteristics of meningioma
T1: isointense to brain
T2: hypointense/hyperintense - signal depends on calcium content
T1+ contrast: enhances
Imaging characteristics of arachnoid cyst
T1: hypointense
T2: hyperintense
T1+ contrast: no enhancement
Signal characteristics mimic those of CSF
Imaging characteristics of epidermoid
T1: hypointense
T2: hyperintense, slightly more dense than CSF is
T1 + contrast: no enhancement
DWI shows resitriction (bright signal)
Imaging characteristics of lipoma
T1: hyperintense, signal disappears with fat suppression
T2: hyperintense
T1 + contrast: no enhancement
Scans in following malignant OE
Technetium scan: can diagnose bony activity and will show long term change, even after resolution
Gallium scan: used to follow patients
Development theories of acquired cholesteatom
- Invagination (retraction pocket)
- Basal cell hyperplasia (defect in the basal membrane allows ingrowth of epithelial cells
- Migration theory (through a perforation without contact inhibition into the middle ear)
- Squamous metaplasia of middle ear mucosa
Gradenigo Syndrome
- Petrous Apicitis presents with the following:
1. Draining ear (otorhea)
2. Retro-orbital pain (from trigeminal irritation)
3. Ipsilateral abducens palsy (from edema of Dorello canal)
Complications of acute and chornic otitis media
- Extracranial: acute mastoiditis, coalescent mastoiditis (erosion of mastoid air cell separations), chronic mastoiditis, subperiosteal abscess, petrous apicitis, labyrinthine fistula, facial paralysis, encephalocele, CSF leak
- Intracranial: meningitis, epidural abscess, subdural empyema, brain abscess, lateral/sigmoid sinus thrombosis, otitic hydrocephalus
Types of superiosteal abscess from otitis media
- Postauricular (through the cribiform area, with direct extension through bone and or thrombophlebitic)
- Bezold (medial wall of mastoid tip medial to SCM muscle into the neck
- Luc’s (zygomatic root)
Findings to look for with T bone trauma
- facial nerve exam
- CSF leak
- potential carotid canal injury
- Dizziness
Sunderland classification of facial nerve trauma
First degree: neuropraxia (conduction block without axonal injury)
Second degree: axonotmesis (axons cut, but endoneurium stay intact, no synkinesis)
Third degree: neurotmesis (endoneurium disrupted, synkinesis possible on regeneration)
Fourth degree: neurotmesis transects entire trunk (endoneurium and perineurium), epineurium intact
Fifth degree: neurotmesis (all three layers cut, endoneurium, perineurium, epineurium)
OSHA noise limits
90dB exposure: 8 hr limit
95dB exposure: 4 hr limit
100dB exposure: 2hr limit
105dB exposure: 1hr limit
110dB exposure: 0.5hr limit
noise intensity doubles every 3 dB OSHA rounded to 5dB
Aminoglycoside toxicity
Vestibulotoxicity > cochleotoxicity : streptomycin, gentamicin (both medications cause damage to sensory cells in the crista ampullaris of the semicircular canals)
Cochleotoxicity> vestibulotoxicity: kanamycin, tobramycin, amikacin, neomycin, dihydropstreptomycin
- Effect outer hair cells and result in an irreversible high frequency SNHL
- Aminoglycoside sensitivity is caused by a mutation of the A1555G gene which is inherited through the mitochondrial DNA
Ototoxic and vestibulotoxic medications
- Aminoglycosides (likely from reactive oxygen species injuring outer hair cells)
- Cisplatin (ROS injuring stria vascularis and outer hair cells)
- Carboplatin (less otoxic compared to cisplatin)
- Loop diuretics (affects stria vascularis)
- Macrolides (erythromycin possibly reversible, azithromycin likley reversible HL, affect stria vascularis)
- Hydrocodone (from mostly abuse/recreational use, presents as rapidly progressive bilateral loss not responsive to corticosteroids, tx with CI)
- Methadone (possibly reversible)
- Vancomycin (questionable otoxicity)
- Quinines (possibly permanent with reversible component)
- Acetylsalicylic acid (typically reversible, affects motor protein prestin in OHCs)
Basic components of hearing aids
- Microphone
- Transducer (convert one form of energy into electrical energy)
- Amplifier
- Speaker (or receiver)
Gain
The amount of energy added to the input signal. Can be linear (ex any input signal gets 20dB added to it) or compressed nonlinear (the amount of gain changes as a function of input level)
Dynamic range
An individual’s threshold of sound perception to discomfort.
- Compression (type of gain) allows a hearing aid to amplify into a smaller dynamic range
Alexander’s law of nystagmus
Nystagmus from a peripheral vestibular lesion is worsened with gaze in the direction of the fast phase.
Which canal do calorics test
Lateral semi circular canal and superior vestibular nerve
Pathway of oVEMP
acoustic sound or bone oscillation -> utriclar stimulation -> superior vestibular nerve -> contralateral oculomotor nucleus -> contralateral inferior oblique stimulation
Most common canal affected in BPPV
Posterior SCC (85-90%) then lateral canal, superior canal very rare
Tullio phenomenon
Sound induced vertigo
Hennebert’s sign
Pressure induced vertigo
Signs of superior canal dehiscence
Low frequency mild conductive hearing loss, increase amplitude and decreased VEMP thresholds (because of lower amount of energy required to stimulate vestibular system), intact acoustic reflexes, CT temporal bone demonstrating dehiscence. Often have pressure and sound induced vertigo. May have supranormal bone conduction thresholds.
Time frame to complete electroneurography
3-21 days after injury. Cannot be done until 3+ days after injury because that’s how long it takes for Wallergian degeneration (degeneration of axon distal to site of injury) to occur. The stimulation for ENG is at the stylomastoid foramen which is distal to the site of injury in the temporal bone. Testing shouldn’t be done after 21 days because after that time dyssynchrony (potentials from two axons that occur out of phase) may occur and degeneration may be overestimated.
Electroneurography (evoked electromyography)
Uses surface electrodes maximally to stimulate both sides and measure resulting EMG bilaterally. Response as a percentage (affected/unaffected). Best prognosis if done 10-14 days after injury
ENG testing results
Fibrillation potentials: indicates degeneration
Polyphasic potentials: indicates nerve regrowth
> 95% degeneration one should consider decompression
When might you use a middle fossa craniotomy approach?
IAC tumors with minimal CPA extension, age <65 and serviceable hearing (PTA <50 and SDS > 50%)
When might you use a translabryinthine craniotomy?
When no serviceable hearing or large CPA tumors where hearing preservation is less likely
When might you use a suboccipital/retrosigmoid craniotomy?
When there is serviceable hearing and the tumor is primarily in the CPA with minimal IAC extension
Staging system for tumors of the EAC (Pittsburgh system)
T1: tumor limited to EAC without bony erosion or soft tissue extension
T2: tumor limited to EAC w partial thickness bony erosion or limited soft tissue involvement (<0.5cm radiographically)
T3: tumor erodes osseous EAC (full thickness) with limited (<0.5cm) soft tissue involvement or tumor involves middle ear or mastoid
T4: tumor erodes cochlea, petrous apex, medial wall of middle ear, carotid canal, jugular foramen or dura or shows extensive (>0.5cm) soft tissue involvement or facial paralysis
Any involvement of lymph nodes is a poor prognostic indicator and places patient in advanced stage (III or IV)
Findings of ENOG
Polyphasic potentials - Good findings early on, indicates new axons are innervating the muscle fibers
Fibrilation - individual muscle fibers not innervated, given off random activity. Not present until 10-14 days
Normal motor unit response - later finding, good finding
No response - poor finding, later finding
Describe sensory innervation of pinna and EAC
Sensation of auricle is provided by greater auricular and lesser occipital nerve (from cervical plexus), small branches of facial nerve and auriculotemporal nerve.
EAC supplied by overlapping contribution from CN V, VII, IX and X
What is the notch of Rivinus?
The deficient portion of tympanic annulus where the pars flaccida attaches to the squamous portion of the temporal bone
How are the pars flaccida and pars tensa of the TM structurally different?
Pars flaccida is more compliant. Pars tensa is thicker and contains a middle fibrous layer in addition to an outer skin layer and inner mucosal layer
The tympanic membrane is formed by what embryonic layers?
The outer epidermal layer from the first branchial cleft (ectoderm); middle fibrous layer from neuro crest mesenchyme (mesoderm) and inner mucosal layer from first pharyngeal pouch (endoderm)
Where does the carotid lie in relation to the Eustachian tube
Carotid artery courses medial to the more anterior cartilagenous portion of the ET
In cleft palate patients dysfunction of which muscle is the most strongly implicated in causing recurrent otitis media?
Tensor veli palatini
Most common intratemporal location of facial nerve dehiscence?
Most commonly near oval window, second most commonly at the second genu
What landmarks may be used to help identify the facial nerve during middle ear surgery?
Jacobson’s nerve, located on cochlear promontory, can be followed superiorly to the cochleariform process. Facial nerve is immediately medial and superior to the cochleariform process and tensor tympani. Facial nerve can also be identified immediately superior to the oval window.
Aside from muscles of facial expression what other muscles does facial nerve innervate?
Stapedius, posterior belly of digastric, stylohyoid (all muscles of the second branchial arch)
Cog
A coronally oriented bony septum located just anterior to the head of the malleus that seperates the anterior epitympanic recess (supratubal recess) from the attic
When looking at the external surface of the mastoid cortex, what landmark can be used to approximate the level of the middle cranial fossa?
The temporal line (represents the insertion point of the temporalis muscle)
Boundaries of Macewen triangle
The suprameatal crest, posterior margin of the EAC, the tangential line from the posterior ear canal bisecting the suprameatal crest are the boundaries of the Macewen triangle, which approximates the antrum.
Korner septum
Bony plate dividing mastoid air cells superficial to antrum. Embryologically it is the junction between the petrous and squamous portions of the temporal bone.
Which cells are primarily responsible for transducing acoustic energy into neural signals?
Inner hair cells are the cells which afferent auditory neurons (spiral ganglion cells) synapse.
Outer hair cells contribute to transformation of acoustic energy into neural signal bur primarily play a role in tuning the cochlea to improve frequency selectivity and sensitivity.
Boundaries of the scala media
Scala media is separates from scala vestibuli by the Reissner membrane. The basilar membrane and osseus spiral lamina separate the scala medial and scala tympani. The boundaries of the outer periphery of the scala media are the stria vascularis and spiral ligament.
What two structures are connected by the perilymphatic (periotic) duct?
The perilymphatic duct which runs in the bony canal of the cochlear aqueduct connects the scala tympani of the cochlea and the subarachnoid space of the posterior cranial fossa
Where is the primary auditory cortex located?
Brodmann areas 41 and 42 of the upper temporal lobe
Describe the course and function provided by the nervus intermedius
The taste, secretory and sensory fibers of the facial nerve are carried by the nervus intermedius. It exists as a distinct nerve in the cerebellopontine angle and the IAC, but on entering the meatal foramen these fibers exist within the body of the facial nerve.
What cell bodies are located in the geniculate ganglion?
Cell bodies of the special sensory taste neurons carried by the chorda tympani nerve
What nerve fibers are carried by the greater superficial petrosal nerve?
Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion as well as afferent special sensory taste fibers that supply the soft palate
What is prevalence of internal carotid artery dehiscence at the floor of the middle cranial fossa?
~20%
Describe boundaries of Glasscock triangle (posteriolateral)
GSPN, V3, line connect foramen spinosum and arcuate eminence
Describe boundaries of Kawase triangle (posteriormedial)
V3, GSPN, arcuate eminence, superior petrosal sinus. It marks the boundares of the anterior petrosectomy for gaining access to the posterior fossa
What extratemporal branches of the facial nerve arborize proximal to the pes anserinus?
Postauricular nerve, nerve to the stylohyoid and nerve to posterior belly of digastric
The external ear is formed by what mesodermal structures?
The six hillocks of His
- First arch: tragus, helical crus, helix
- Second arch: antihelix, antitragus, lobule
Incomplete fusion or supernumerary development of the hillocks of His may lead to what conditions?
Preauricular cysts, pits or tags
Describe embryologic basis of a persistent stapedial artery
The stapedial artery is derived from second branchial arch. This is normally a transient structure, but in rare instances it can persist into adulthood
Skull base abnormality classically seen with persistent stapedial artery?
Lack of ipsilateral foramen spinosum
Embryologicl origin of ossicles
First branchial arch (Meckel cartilage) - Head and neck of malleus, inus body and short process
Second branchial arch (Reichert cartilate) - Manubrium of malleus, long process and lenticular process of inus, stapes superstructure
Otic capsule - Stapes footplate and annular ligament
From which germ cell layers and branchial arches does the otocyst arise?
Fist seen at the end of the 3rd week of development, the otic placode is a thickening of the ectodermal surface of the first branchial groove. This invaginates into the underlying mesoderm, which it eventually becomes surrounded by to form the otocyst. This structure goes on to develop into the otic labyrinth.
Primary acoustic functions of the EAC
- Filter to reduce low frequency background noise
- Resonator to amplify mid frequency sounds (up to 20 dB)
- Direction dependent filter to augment spatial perception at high frequencies
Describe the acoustic transformer mechanism of the middle ear
Three levers provide an average gain of 20-30dB
- Catenary lever: elastic properties of stretched TM fibers directed sound to the centralized malleus
- Ossicular level: the length of the manubrium of the malleus divided by the length of the long process of the incus (1:3)
- Hydraulic lever: A 22:1 ratio of the TM to the oval window
Describe the electrolyte composition of the cochlear fluids
- Perilymph located in scala vestibuli and tympani is similar to serum and CSF - high Na and low K
- Endolymph is located within the scala media and is similar to intracellular fluid - low Na and high K
Define 1st degree, 2nd degree and 3rd degree nystagmus
1 - occuring when gazing in the direction of the fast component
2 - occuring when gazing in the direction of the fast component or at midline
3 - occuring when gazing in all direction
Describe Ewald’s three laws
- The axis of nystagmus parallels the anatomic axis of the semicurcular canal that generated it
- In the lateral SCC ampulopetal endolymph movement causes greater stimulation that ampulofugal
- In the superior and posterior SCC the reverse is true
Describe examination findings that help distinguish between central and peripheral vestibular deficits
- Central deficits may occur in any direction (vertical, horizontal or torsional), may alternate direction, do not suppress with visual fixation, do not fatigue, rarely are associated with hearing loss, often have other abnormal neurologic examination findings, have minimal latency with positional change and are often less severe
- Peripheral deficits: unidirectional; horizontal only (no vertical component), suppress with visual fixation, often with concurrent hearing loss, otherwise normal neuro exam, postional nystagmus that often has 2+ second latency, generally more severe
Frenzel goggles
Assist in evaluating nystagmus, magnify and illuminate the patient’s eyes and prevent gaze fixation
Describe the effects of cold and warm irrigation during caloric testing
Cold causes the fast phase of the nystagmus to beat toward the opposite ear, whereas warm causes the fast phase to beat toward the ipsilateral ear
What inner ear structure and cranial nerve does VEMP testing interrogate?
Saccule and inferior vestibular nerve
What pattern of results may be seen in a malingering patient during computerized dynamic posturography?
Poor scores with easier tasks but as task difficulty increases patient may do disproportionately better
Fakuda stepping test
Patient is asked to march in place with eyes closed for 50 steps. Rotation (> 30 degrees) may indicate asymmetric labyrinthine function. Rotation generally occurs toward the side of the lesion.
Vestibulo ocular reflex
Reflex generates eye movements in response to head motions perceived by peripheral vestibular system, permitting visual fixation on an object while head is moving
What constitutes a postive head thrust test
In the case of left hypoactive labyrinth, the VOR will be impaired and the head thrust test toward patient’s left will be positive; examiner will note the patient’s eyes rotate with the head and after a brief delay, a “catch up saccade” toward the right will bring gaze back toward the examiner.
What conditions are associated with a positive Hennebert sign?
Superior SCC dehiscence, perilymphatic fistula, lateral SCC fistula or otosphyilis
In what clinical situations would rotary chair testing be useful?
Testing evaluates bilateral SCC function simultaneously (unlike calorics). It may be used for evaluating suspected bilateral vestibular loss
What % of patients with Meniere disease will develop bilateral involvement?
~30%
Clinical presentation of Meniere disease
Low frequency SNHL (fluctuating and progressive), roaring tinnitus, aural fullness, episodic vertigo generally lasting hours
Lermoyez syndrome
Tinnitus and hearing loss that remit after an attack of vertigo
Diagnosis of definite Meniere disease
Two or more definitive spontaneous episodes of vertigo lasting 20 minutes or longer, audiometrically documented hearing loss on at least one occasion, tinnitus or aural fullness in the treated ear and other causes excluded
Diet modifications for Meniere disease
Avoidance of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and monosodium glutamate. Adherence to a low sodium diet (less than 1-2g/day)
How is electrocochleography used in diagnosis of Meniere disease?
If the ratio of the summating potential, generated by the organ of Corti, and the action potential, generated by the auditory nerve is elevated, diagnosis is indicated. A value of 0.5 or greater is considered suggestive.
Donaldson’s Line
An imaginary line running parallel to plane of the lateral SCC extending posteriorly and inferiorly through the center of the posterior SCC. Endolymphatic sac lies just inferior to this line on the posterior fossa dura
What pure tone findings can be seen in patients with superior SCC dehiscence
Conductive hyperacusis sometimes with bone conduction thresholds occasionally less than 0dB. Can lead to an air bone gap even when air conductive thresholds are within normal range
Clinical presentation of superior SCC dehiscence
Aural fullness, autophony, hearing loss (air bone gap), dizziness associated with loud sounds, exertion or straining
How to differentiate otosclerosis from superior SCC dehiscence
Patients with otosclerosis often have type A2 tymps, absent stapedial reflexes and elevated to absent cVEMPs. Patients with SSCCD usually have normal refelxes, type A tymps and diminished VEMPS (<70dB)
Which canal is most commonly involved in BPPV
Posterior SCC
- 5% involve lateral canal and superior canal is least common
What anatomical structure is the source of the otoconia in BPPV?
The utricle
Describe mechanisms of sinuglar neurectomy in treatment of BPPV
The singular nerve innervates the posterior SCC which is most commonly affected. Division of this nerve may lead to symptom relief in refractory disease
What symptoms may accompany episodic vertigo associated with vertebrobasilar insufficiency?
Diplopia, decrease in visual acuity, ataxia, dysarthira, dysphagia, other focal neurologic symptoms
Describe symptoms of wallenberg syndrome
-Loss of pain and temp sensation on ipsilateral face and contralateral body, dysphagia, dysarthira, ataxia, vertigo, Horner syndrome, diplopia
-Caused by lateral meduallry infarct supplied by posterior inferior cerebellar artery
Typical initial symptoms of vestibular neuronitis
- Sudden onset severe vertigo, nausea, vomiting, lasting days to weeks often preceded by a viral URI
- Hearing should remain stable (unlike labryinthitis)
Treatment for vestibular neuronitis
High dose steroids, vestibular suppressants in acute period, antiemetics, bed rest
Typical presentation of mal de debarquement syndrome
The sensation of rocking or swaying back and forth without vertigo, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. Most commonly occurs in middle aged women after a week long cruise. Mean duration of symptoms is 3.5 years
What is the mechanism of motion sickness
Disagreement between vestibular cues and visual and somatosensory input.
Excluding BPPV what is the most common cause of vertigo in the general population?
Vestibular migraine or migraine associated vertigo (prevalence of 1% in general population)
Diagnostic criteria for vestibular migraine
Definite
- Recurrent episodic vestibular symptoms of at least moderate severity
- Current or previous history of migraine
-Migrainous symptoms during >2 vertiginous attacks
-Other causes ruled out
Describe relationship between vestibular migraine and Meniere disease
Substantial overlap between two groups. 1/4 of patients with Meniere disease will diagnostic criteria for vestibular migraine.
Clinical features of basilar migraine
-Similar symptoms to vertebrobasillar insufficiency with headache
- Most patients dizziness but may also have ataxia, hearing loss, tinnitus, dysarthria, diplopia and syncope
- Commonly involves young females
Common neurotologic exam findings in patients with MS
Abnormalitis in smooth pursuit (96%), saccadic eye movements (76%), optokinetic nystagmus (53%), defective visual suppresion of nystagmus (43%)
Charcot triad
Nystagmus, scanning speech, intention tremor - associated with symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Presbystasis
General balance difficulties of elderly patients related to cumulative age related decline in vestibular response, visual acuity and proprioception and motor control
Four different subclasses of presbycusis
Sensory: loss of sensory hair cells of basal turn resulting in precipitous high frequency SNHL and preserved speech discrimination
Neural: loss of VIII nerve fibers where speech discrimination may be disproportionately affected
Metabolic: caused by atrophy of the stria vascularis affecting all frequencies (flat audiogram); speech discrimination frequently preserved
Mechanical: stiffening of basilar membrane resulting in gradual down sloping of SNHL with proportional loss of speech discrimination
At what air bone gap is Rinne testing with a 512 Hz tuning fork most reliable at detecting conductive hearing loss?
17-30 dB; any value lower or higher is likely to produce a false negative
Usual air bone gap with maximal conductive loss
60dB
What is the ineraural dB difference required for a Weber exam to lateralize?
Sound should lateralize to the ear with largest conductive loss of the side with the better nerve; a minimum of 5dB difference is needed