EARS 507

what are the functions of each part of the ear?

external: collects sounds, middle: transmits sounds, inner: passes sound to brain

what is conductive hearing?

transmission through the external and middle ear

what is sensorineural hearing loss?

inner ear damage → ex: aging, disease (DM, CHF, etc) causing decr blood to ear, loud sounds causing damage

what is conductive hearing loss?

impaired path of vibrations to inner ear → ex: wax or fluid build-up

how to perform the whispered voice test?

behind pt, whisper 6 random letters/numbers → normal: repeat at least 3 correctly

how to perform the weber test?

use tuning fork, base midline on top of head → normal: sound quality is equal bilaterally

how to perform rinne test?

use tuning fork to test hearing by bone vs air conduction → normal: bone conduction is heard longer than air

what size of speculum to use on otoscope for adults?

largest one that fits ~ 5 mm

difference in child vs adult eustachian ear tubes?

child is horizontal (need to pull pinna down and back for inspection with otoscope) and adult is sloped (need to pull pinna up and back for inspection)

what does cauliflower ear result from?

repeated trauma → blood clots under skin causing cartilage changes over time

what is microtia?

underdeveloped pinna

what is macrotia?

larger ears greater than 10 cm

what is tophi?

uric acid crystals on ear that are hard, white, and non-tender → indicator of gout

what is presbycusis?

aging hearing loss → degeneration of nerves (sensorineural hearing loss)