Ear Assessment

Conductive Hearing Loss

Hearing loss caused when sound can't get through the outer or middle ear due to blockage, eardrum, or middle ear problems.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)

Hearing loss caused by problems in the inner ear or auditory nerve; most common type of permanent hearing loss.

Presbycusis

Age-related hearing loss caused by deterioration of inner ear structures.

Otorrhea

Any discharge coming out of the ear; can be clear, bloody, or pus-like.

Otalgia

Ear pain.

Tinnitus

Ringing, buzzing, or tinkling sound heard in the ear by the person affected.

Vertigo

Feeling of spinning or dizziness, often due to inner ear problems.

Cerumen

Earwax, protects the ear and traps dust.

Umbo

The center point of the eardrum where the malleus attaches.

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

Infection of the middle ear, common in children.

External Ear

Includes auricle (pinna) and ear canal; collects sound and protects middle ear.

Middle Ear

Includes eardrum and ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes); amplifies sound and equalizes pressure.

Inner Ear

Includes cochlea and semicircular canals; cochlea converts sound to nerve signals, canals help balance.

Weber Test

Tuning fork placed on forehead to see which ear hears sound better; helps locate hearing loss.

Rinne Test

Compares air and bone conduction using a tuning fork to determine type of hearing loss.

Watch Tick Test

Quick hearing test using a ticking watch; checks general hearing ability.

Low-set Ears

Ears positioned lower than normal, may indicate a syndrome like Down syndrome.

Microtia / Macrotia

Ears smaller or larger than normal size range (4-10 cm).

Cauliflower Ear

Thickened, deformed ear due to repeated trauma.

Hematoma

Collection of blood under the ear skin, often from injury.

Sebaceous Cyst

Small, usually behind ear, can be painful if infected.

Malignant Lesion

Non-healing crusty or ulcerated area on ear; may be skin cancer.

Otitis Externa

Infection of the ear canal; also called swimmer’s ear.

Exostosis

Hard bony bumps in ear canal, often in cold-water swimmers.

Polyp

Red tissue growth in ear canal or through eardrum, bleeds easily.

Acute Otitis Media (Red Drum)

Red, bulging eardrum; infection in middle ear.

Serous Otitis Media (Amber Drum)

Yellowish fluid behind eardrum; may have air bubbles.

Hemotympanum

Blood behind eardrum, often from trauma.

Perforated Tympanic Membrane

Hole in eardrum from infection or injury.

Scarred Tympanic Membrane

White patch on eardrum from old infections; usually does not affect hearing.

Retracted Tympanic Membrane

Eardrum sucked inward due to pressure imbalance.

Ear Assessment Importance

Preserves communication, detects infections, prevents complications, ensures balance, and supports development.

Nursing Responsibilities Before Assessment

Ensure privacy, explain procedure, gather equipment, wash hands.

During Assessment

Inspect, palpate, communicate with patient, document abnormalities.

After Assessment

Document findings, discuss with team, educate patient, ensure comfort.