Week 11: Vestibulocochlear System - Hearing and Balance

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the vestibulocochlear system, including anatomy, functions, common conditions, assessments, and health promotion strategies.

What are the main components of the vestibulocochlear system?

External ear, middle ear, inner ear, vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII).

What is the primary function of the vestibulocochlear nerve?

Responsible for hearing and crucial for equilibrium (motion, head position, spatial orientation, balance, posture).

What common symptoms should be assessed for vestibulocochlear issues?

Pain and pressure, hearing impairment, dizziness and vertigo, pruritus, discolouration, otorrhea, cerumen, tinnitus.

What is cerumen impaction?

Accumulation of ear wax in the ear canal.

What is otitis media?

Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, characterized by the accumulation of fluid (effusion).

What does otitis externa refer to?

Inflammation or infection of the external ear caused by bacteria or fungus growth.

What causes ear barotrauma?

Pressure difference between the middle ear and atmospheric air, leading to pain/pressure.

What is labyrinthitis?

Inflammation of the labyrinth in the inner ear that can lead to hearing loss and vertigo.

What is vestibular neuritis?

Inflammation of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) that leads to vertigo.

What is otosclerosis?

Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear.

What is cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

A common viral infection that can affect many body systems, including the ears, leading to hearing loss.

What history is important to gather related to vestibulocochlear conditions?

Personal family history of vestibulocochlear conditions and diseases.

What should be prioritized in care for vestibulocochlear conditions?

Sudden hearing loss and vertigo, ear discharge, ear pain and signs of infection, hearing impairment.

What is microtia?

Incomplete formation of the external ear, which may be smaller or have missing or deformed features.

How should earwax normally appear?

Earwax normal color ranges from beige, yellow, orange, and brown.

What are the inspection criteria during an otoscopic examination?

Symmetry, lesions, deformities, skin integrity, color, swelling, discharge, foreign bodies.

What are the normal characteristics of the tympanic membrane?

Color: whitish-light grey, contour: shiny and translucent, discharge: none, integrity: intact without perforations.

What does a whisper voice test assess?

Client should be able to repeat at least half of the numbers/letters whispered in both ears.

What common sounds approximate the following decibels: Whispering, talking, hairdryer, ambulance siren?

Whispering: 30 dB, Talking: 60-70 dB, Hairdryer: 100 dB, Ambulance Siren: 95-129 dB.

How can environmental factors affect hearing?

Exposure to noise in home, hobbies, sports, or workplace can impact auditory health.

Why is diet important for auditory health?

Diet impacts general and auditory health; changes can affect hearing.