Pediatric Eye, Hearing, and Language Conditions

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing pediatric eye conditions, eye emergencies, hearing loss types, guidelines, and speech vs. language concepts.

Congenital cataract

Opacity of the lens; characterized by an absent red reflex, a gray/white pupil, and nystagmus.

Congenital glaucoma

Condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure, tearing, photophobia, corneal haziness, and an enlarged-looking eye.

Color deficiency

Condition more common in boys; safety teaching should use words, symbols, or patterns rather than color alone.

Blocked lacrimal duct (dacryostenosis)

Condition causing tearing and crusting that mostly resolves by 12 months with lacrimal massage 2 to 3 times per day; requires referral to an ophthalmologist if not better by 1 year.

Conjunctivitis

The most common pediatric eye infection; bacterial causes require antibiotics and complete eye drops, while viral causes require supportive care.

Chemical injury

An eye emergency requiring immediate, copious irrigation for 15 minutes.

Hyphema

Blood in the anterior chamber of the eye; managed by keeping the head elevated 30-45 degrees, restriction of activity, and avoiding aspirin.

Orbital cellulitis

Eye condition indicated by fever and pain with eye movement; involves orbital involvement requiring IV antibiotics and a CT scan.

Suspected penetrating injury

An eye injury where the object must NEVER be removed; managed by applying a rigid shield over both eyes with no pressure.

Conductive hearing loss

Hearing loss caused by middle-ear blockage (often otitis media); it is the most common type and often treated.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Hearing loss caused by inner-ear or auditory-nerve damage; may require cochlear implants.

Mixed hearing loss

Hearing loss that combines both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss together.

Central hearing loss

Hearing loss caused by a problem along the central auditory pathways, rather than in the ear itself.

1-3-6 Guideline

A memory rule for pediatric hearing: screen by 1 month, diagnose by 3 months, and intervene by 6 months.

Speech

The physical production of sound, including articulation, fluency (stuttering), voice, and motor planning (apraxia).

Language

Understanding and expressing meaning, including receptive (understanding), expressive (communicating), and pragmatics (social use).