External Ear Pathologies and Treatments

A set of 50 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to external ear pathologies and treatments.

Cross-check principle

A test battery approach where various tests act as cross-checks to improve the accuracy of a diagnosis.

Pure tone audiogram

A type of hearing test that measures a person's ability to hear sounds at various frequencies.

Sensitivity

The ability of a test to yield a positive result for a patient who has a disease.

Specificity

The ability of a test to rule out those who do not have a disease.

Weber test

A tuning fork test that assesses hearing loss by placing a vibrating fork at the top of the head.

Rinne test

A tuning fork test comparing air conduction and bone conduction of sound.

Otitis externa

Bacterial or fungal infection of the external auditory canal, commonly known as swimmer's ear.

Cerumen

Waxy substance produced in the ear canal, which lubricates and protects the skin.

Microtia

A congenital malformation where the outer ear is underdeveloped.

Atresia

A congenital malformation where the external auditory canal does not develop properly.

Electrophysiology

A diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the auditory system.

Otoacoustic emissions

Sounds generated by the inner ear that can be measured to assess cochlear function.

Acoustic reflexes

Involuntary muscle contractions in the middle ear in response to loud sounds.

Vestibular function tests

Tests that evaluate the balance system of the inner ear.

Audiologic management

The process of assessing hearing loss and planning appropriate intervention.

Medical evaluation

An assessment by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of symptoms.

Tympanometry

A test that measures the mobility of the tympanic membrane and the conduction bones.

Pinna

The outer part of the ear that collects sound.

External auditory canal

The ear canal that leads from the pinna to the tympanic membrane.

Conductive hearing loss

A type of hearing loss caused by problems in the outer or middle ear.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Hearing loss due to damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.

ABR evaluation

Auditory Brainstem Response evaluation, used to measure the brain's response to sound.

CT scan

A medical imaging method used to visualize internal structures within the body.

Otoscopy

An examination of the ear canal and tympanic membrane using an otoscope.

Cholesteatoma

An abnormal skin growth in the middle ear behind the eardrum.

Audiometry

A test to measure hearing acuity at different frequencies.

Canal stenosis

Narrowing of the external auditory canal.

Exostoses

Bony growths in the ear canal associated with cold water exposure.

Osteoma

A benign tumor made up of bone tissue occurring in the ear canal.

Cerumen impaction

Blockage of the ear canal due to excessive earwax.

Conductive Hearing Loss

A reduction in sound level or the ability to hear faint sounds.

Bone conduction hearing aid

A hearing device that conducts sound vibrations to the cochlea via bone vibrations.

Plastic surgery

Reconstructive surgery aimed at correcting physical deformities.

Rib cartilage graft

A surgical technique involving the use of rib cartilage for reconstructing the outer ear.

Significant otalgia

Meaningful ear pain that can indicate an underlying issue.

Aural fullness

A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear.

Supratempanic incision

A surgical incision made above the eardrum, often for ear surgery.

Audiometric findings

Results obtained from audiometric testing used to diagnose hearing loss.

Inflammation

A biological response to harmful stimuli, often causing redness, swelling, and pain.

Bacterial infection

Infection caused by harmful bacteria, potentially leading to ear infections.

Fungal infection

Infection caused by fungi, which can also affect the ear.

Chronic exposure

Prolonged or repeated contact with an irritant or damaging factor.

Aliation

The process in which individuals with similar interests or traits advocate for a common cause.

Cervical nerve system

A network of nerves in the neck that can be associated with hearing issues.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Functional anatomy

Study of the relationships between the structure of organs and how they function.

Prognostic criteria

Factors used to predict the outcome of a disease or condition.

Interprofessional collaboration

Cooperative interaction amongst professionals from different fields for patient care.

Craniofacial syndromes

Congenital disorders characterized by abnormal growth of skull and facial bones.

Surgical intervention

Medical procedures that involve manual or operative treatment of a condition.