Assessment and Management of Patients with Hearing and Balance Disorders

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the assessment and management of hearing and balance disorders.

Auricle

The visible part of the ear that funnels sound into the external auditory canal.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure in the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into neural impulses.

Tympanic Membrane

Also known as the eardrum, it separates the external ear from the middle ear and vibrates in response to sound.

Weber Test

A hearing test that determines bone conduction of sound through the use of a tuning fork.

Rinne Test

A hearing test that compares air conduction to bone conduction of sound.

Presbycusis

Age-related hearing loss that gradually occurs in older adults.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Hearing loss caused by problems in the outer or middle ear preventing sound from being conducted to the inner ear.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Hearing loss caused by damage to the cochlea or auditory nerve.

Tinnitus

The perception of noise or ringing in the ears in the absence of external stimuli.

Vertigo

A sensation of spinning or dizziness often associated with inner ear disorders.

Nystagmus

Involuntary eye movement often related to vestibular dysfunction.

Ototoxicity

Hearing loss induced by medications or chemicals that damage the inner ear.

Ménière Disease

A disorder characterized by episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss due to fluid imbalance in the inner ear.

Cochlear Implant

An auditory prosthesis used for individuals with profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids.

Antivertigo Medications

Medications used to treat symptoms of vertigo and motion sickness.

Mastoidectomy

Surgical procedure to remove diseased bone of the mastoid and improve ear health.