Week 17 Ears

What should you do if a foreign object is sticking out of the ear?

Gently remove it by hand or with tweezers and seek medical help.

What should you avoid doing if a small object is lodged in the ear?

Do not reach inside the ear canal with tweezers.

How can you try to dislodge a foreign object in the ear?

Tilt the head to the affected side and gently shake it.

What should you do if an insect is in the ear?

Do not let the person put a finger in the ear; turn the head so the affected side is up and wait for the insect to exit.

What can be poured into the ear to suffocate an insect?

Mineral oil, olive oil, or baby oil.

What is cerumen impaction?

Ear wax blockage that can cause discomfort and hearing issues.

What home treatments can soften ear wax?

Mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or commercial drops.

What is the recommended method for irrigation of ear wax?

Use body-temperature water and direct a small stream against the ear canal wall.

What should be done if irrigation does not remove the wax plug?

Consult a healthcare provider for further removal methods.

What is otitis externa commonly known as?

Swimmer's ear.

What causes otitis externa?

Infection from bacteria or fungus entering through a scratch or prolonged moisture.

What are common symptoms of otitis externa?

Itching, pain in the ear canal, clear discharge, fever, and hearing loss.

What is the goal of treatment for otitis externa?

To cure the infection and clean the ear canal.

What are common treatments for otitis media?

Antibiotics, analgesics, and sometimes surgery.

What are the two common forms of otitis media?

Acute otitis media and chronic otitis media.

What symptoms indicate otitis media in infants?

Irritability and inconsolable crying.

What is myringotomy?

A surgical opening of the eardrum to relieve pressure and drain fluid.

What is mastoiditis?

An infection of the mastoid bone, usually a complication of otitis media.

What are symptoms of mastoiditis?

Ear pain, fever, headache, and drainage from the ear.

What surgical procedure may be needed for mastoiditis if antibiotics fail?

Mastoidectomy.

What is tympanoplasty?

A surgical procedure to repair or reconstruct the eardrum.

What is the purpose of ear tubes in otitis media treatment?

To prevent fluid from re-accumulating in the middle ear.

What should be avoided to prevent otitis externa?

Allowing water to enter the ears when showering or swimming.

What can be used to dry the ear after irrigation?

A few drops of alcohol or a low setting on a hair dryer.

What is the risk of irrigating an ear with a ruptured eardrum?

It may cause ear infection or acoustic trauma.

What may be checked during a doctor's examination for otitis media?

Redness, bulging, or fluid behind the eardrum.

What can be a sign of perforation in the eardrum?

Fluid that is bloody or purulent.

What is the role of analgesics in treating otitis externa?

To alleviate severe pain.

What is the importance of keeping ears clean and dry in otitis externa treatment?

To prevent further infection and promote healing.

What is a mastoidectomy?

A surgical procedure to remove part of the bone and drain the mastoid.

What is myringotomy used for?

It may be needed to treat an underlying middle ear infection.

What condition does otosclerosis affect?

It affects the stapes bone in the middle ear.

What causes hearing loss in otosclerosis?

A callus of bone accumulates on the stapes, limiting its movement.

What is a primary symptom of otosclerosis?

Slowly progressive conductive hearing loss beginning between ages 15 and 45.

What is Schwartze's sign?

A pink blush hue behind the tympanic membrane associated with otosclerosis.

What is a stapedectomy?

A surgical procedure used to treat hearing loss caused by otosclerosis.

What is Meniere's syndrome?

A disorder of the inner ear affecting balance and hearing, characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness in the ear.

What are common symptoms of Meniere's syndrome?

Episodes of vertigo, fluctuating low-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness in the ear.

What causes Meniere's syndrome?

The exact cause is unknown but may involve swelling of the endolymphatic sac and fluid imbalance.

What are potential triggers for Meniere's syndrome?

Otitis media, head injury, viral illness, stress, and certain medications.

What is presbycusis?

A sensorineural hearing loss that occurs as a result of aging.

What percentage of people aged 65 to 75 experience presbycusis?

About 25%.

What are common symptoms of presbycusis?

Slowly progressive hearing loss, difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds, and challenges in noisy environments.

What is the treatment focus for presbycusis?

Functional improvement through hearing aids and communication skills.

What are the steps for administering otic medication?

Wash hands, warm & shake the bottle, and lie on the side with the infected ear up.

How should ear drops be administered for a middle ear infection with tubes?

Gently press the tragus 5 times in a pumping motion.

What should be done for outer ear infections when administering drops?

Pull the outer ear lobe upward and backward to allow drops to flow into the ear canal.

What should a patient do after receiving ear drops?

Remain on their side for at least 60 seconds.

What is the role of antihistamines in treating Meniere's syndrome?

They may help lower endolymphatic pressure and treat symptoms.

What lifestyle changes can help manage Meniere's syndrome?

A low-salt diet to reduce fluid retention and avoiding sudden movements.

What are the signs and tests for diagnosing Meniere's syndrome?

Neurologic examination, CT or MRI scans, and audiometry.

What is the relationship between otosclerosis and genetics?

About 50% of patients have a family history of otosclerosis.

What is the significance of the Rinne and Weber tests in otosclerosis?

The Rinne test may show negative results, and the Weber test may show lateralization of sound.

What is the effect of pregnancy on otosclerosis?

Pregnancy can accelerate the process of otosclerosis in some women.

What are common balance problems associated with otosclerosis?

Unsteadiness, dizziness, and vertigo.

What is the typical age range for the onset of symptoms in presbycusis?

Usually starts around age 20.