Auditory System Disorders - Terminology & Outer Ear Malformations

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to disorders of the auditory system and outer ear malformations from the provided lecture notes.

Pathology

A disorder of the auditory system (e.g., middle ear, inner ear, hair cells, auditory nerve, auditory cortex) with an associated disease process.

Impairment

Abnormal function of the auditory system, such as decreased auditory sensitivity compared with population norms.

Disability

Reduced abilities to orient to sounds or perceive speech in quiet or in noise, considering developmental norms (age, sex, culture).

Handicap

Adverse effects on a person’s life due to psychosocial problems linked to auditory impairment and disability, interacting with nonauditory developmental factors.

Outer Ear disorders

Disorders involving the pinna and ear canal; may not affect hearing or may cause varying degrees of conductive hearing loss.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Hearing loss caused by blockage in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from reaching the cochlea.

Anotia

Absence of the external ear (pinna and canal); often due to abnormal development during fetal life; genetic mutation is sometimes suspected.

Microtia

Congenital underdevelopment or absence of the cartilage of the outer ear.

Macrotia

Pinna larger than normal; normal auricular axis length is about 58–62 mm (females) or 62–66 mm (males); surgery (otoplasty) may reduce size.

Atresia

Absence of the external ear canal; conductive loss; bone conduction hearing aids are used; can be surgically corrected in some cases.

Synotia

Fusion or abnormal approximation of the lobes of the external ears in otocephaly; ears fused below the chin.

Cryptotia

A congenital ear malformation listed in the notes (described as a disorder of the ear).

Low Set Ears

Ears that are set lower on the head; do not by themselves cause hearing loss but are usually a sign of a genetic disorder or syndrome.

Fistula/Pits

Small indentations around the pinna indicating disturbance in ear development in utero.

Tags/Appendages

Extra tags or appendages on the ear.

Cauliflower Ear

Caused by repetitive trauma to ear cartilage with bleeding, leading to a swollen, deformed ear.

Chilblains

Inflammation of small skin blood vessels caused by cold exposure; risks for exposed ears in cold environments.

Exostoses

Formation of new bone on the surface of a bone; commonly found in people with history of cold water exposure (e.g., divers, fishermen).

Exostosis

A benign bone growth; typically a single mass, in contrast to exostoses (multiple masses).

Osteoma

A benign tumor composed of bone; usually a single mass and different from exostosis.

Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)

Infection of the outer ear canal; often due to mold, bacteria, or fungi (otomycosis); common in warm areas.

Otomycosis

Fungal infection of the ear canal; may affect one or both ears; common in warm climates.

Impacted Cerumen

Ear wax occlusion; wax protects canal skin and fights infections but can cause pain, itching, and tinnitus; removal may be needed.

Cholesteatoma

A collection of skin cells deep in the ear forming a pearly-white greasy lump in the epitympanum near the tympanic membrane.

Perforation of the Tympanic Membrane

Traumatic rupture of the eardrum causing pain, bleeding, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo; diagnosed by otoscopy; antibiotics may be needed; surgery may be required for persistent perforations (>2 months) or ossicular disruption.

Otoscopy

Diagnostic method used to visualize the tympanic membrane and ear canal.

Ossicular Chain

The three small middle-ear bones; injuries or disruption may require surgical intervention.