Physical Assessment Techniques: Ear

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the anatomy, function, and assessment of the ear, as well as common pathologies and examination techniques.

Auricle (Pinna)

The visible part of the ear that consists of movable cartilage and skin, serving to funnel sound waves into the external auditory canal.

Tympanic Membrane

Also known as the eardrum, it separates the external ear from the middle ear and is translucent with a pearly gray color.

Eustachian Tube

A passage that connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx, allowing for air passage and equalization of pressure.

Conductive Hearing Loss

A type of hearing loss caused by mechanical dysfunction of the external or middle ear.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Hearing loss resulting from pathology of the inner ear, cranial nerve VIII, or auditory areas of the cerebral cortex.

Presbycusis

Age-related hearing loss that occurs gradually due to nerve degeneration in the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Otoscopic Examination

A procedure used to visualize the ear canal and tympanic membrane using an otoscope.

Weber Test

A tuning fork test that assesses for lateralization of sound to determine conductive or sensorineural hearing loss.

Rinne Test

A tuning fork test that compares air conduction and bone conduction of sound to evaluate hearing loss.

Cerumen

Earwax that lubricates and protects the ear canal, can accumulate and lead to hearing loss if impacted.

Otosclerosis

A common cause of conductive hearing loss characterized by the hardening of the stapes bone in the oval window.

Tinnitus

The perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present.

Vertigo

A sensation of spinning or dizziness, often related to problems in the inner ear or vestibular system.

Acoustic Blink Reflex

A reflex in infants where they blink in response to a sudden loud noise.

Frothing (Otoscopy)

The process of examining the ear to note the presence of any foreign bodies, redness, swelling, or discharge.

Darwin Tubercle

A small painless nodule at the helix of the ear, a congenital variation without clinical significance.