Sensory Perception and Aging

Flashcards covering key concepts related to sensory perception and aging, focusing on hearing and vision.

Presbycusis

A progressive hearing loss associated with aging that leads to difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds.

Organ of Corti

The sensory organ in the inner ear responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve signals.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Hearing loss due to interference with sound conduction in the outer or middle ear.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Hearing loss caused by damage to the hair cells or auditory nerve.

Rinne Test

A hearing test that compares air and bone conduction using a tuning fork.

Weber Test

A hearing test that helps determine the lateralization of sound between both ears.

Tympanic Membrane

The eardrum; it vibrates in response to sound waves and is crucial for hearing.

Cochlear Implant

A medical device that bypasses damaged parts of the ear to deliver sound signals to the auditory nerve.

Otitis Media

An infection or inflammation of the middle ear, commonly seen in children.

Cerumen

Earwax, which protects the ear canal by trapping debris and has antibacterial properties.

Otosclerosis

An abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causing conductive hearing loss.

Ménière’s Disease

A disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

Labyrinthitis

Inflammation of the inner ear, often due to infection, leading to vertigo and hearing loss.

Acoustic Neuroma

A benign tumor on the eighth cranial nerve which may cause hearing loss and balance issues.

Tympanostomy Tubes

Small tubes placed in the eardrum to allow air in and fluid out, often used for otitis media treatment.

Scleral Buckling

A surgical procedure to repair a detached retina by placing a silicone band around the eye.

Hipernatremia

An elevated sodium level in the blood, often due to dehydration.

Keratitis

Inflammation of the cornea, which can lead to vision loss if untreated.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Retinal damage due to diabetes that can lead to loss of vision.

Blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelid margins, which can be caused by bacterial infection.

Visual Acuity

The clarity or sharpness of vision, often measured with a Snellen chart.

Confrontation Test

A method to test peripheral vision by having the patient cover one eye and see objects in their peripheral vision.

PERRLA

Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation; a test of pupil reaction.

Glaucoma

A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure.

Cataracts

The clouding of the lens of the eye, leading to blurred vision, can be treated surgically.