Hearing Assessment and Disorders

Hearing Assessment

Process to evaluate a person's hearing ability.

Whisper Test

Client repeats whispered two-syllable words.

Tragus Obscuration

Client covers ear to block sound.

Tuning Fork Test

Determines type of hearing loss using vibrations.

512 Hz Tuning Fork

Frequency used for hearing tests.

Lateralization

Sound perception favoring one ear over the other.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Sound localizes toward the affected ear.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sound localizes toward the unaffected ear.

Rinne Test

Compares air and bone conduction hearing.

Air Conduction

Sound transmitted through air to the ear.

Bone Conduction

Sound transmitted through the skull to the ear.

AC>BC

Normal hearing

air conduction exceeds bone conduction.

BC≥AC

Conductive loss

bone conduction equals or exceeds air.

Audiometry

Test measuring hearing across various sound frequencies.

Audiometer

Device used for conducting audiometry tests.

Audiogram

Graphical representation of hearing test results.

Tympanometry

Test assessing middle ear disorders via pressure changes.

Ear Drum Mobility

Evaluates ear drum's response to pressure variations.

Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Response

Test assessing brain wave responses to sound stimuli.

Electronystagmography

Test evaluating eye movements related to vestibular function.

Nystagmus

Involuntary eye movement indicating vestibular issues.

Vestibular Test

Assesses balance and dizziness through eye movement.

Pre-Test Precautions

Avoid certain medications before balance testing.

Codeine

An opioid used for pain relief.

Caloric Test

Evaluates inner ear response using temperature changes.

COWS

Cold Opposite, Warm Same

nystagmus response rule.

Preoperative Care

Assess for infections and shampoo hair before surgery.

Postoperative Care

Guidelines for recovery after ear surgery.

Eustachian Tube

Connects middle ear to nasopharynx for pressure equalization.

Malleus

One of the three bones in the middle ear.

Incus

The anvil-shaped bone in the middle ear.

Stapes

The stirrup-shaped bone in the middle ear.

Tympanic Membrane

Also known as the eardrum, vibrates with sound.

Auricle

External part of the ear, collects sound waves.

Organ of Corti

Sensory organ for hearing within the cochlea.

Macula

Sensory structure in the inner ear for balance.

Voice Test

Screening test for hearing using spoken words.

Weber Test

Hearing test to assess lateralization of sound.

Dizziness

Feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness.

Supine Position

Lying flat on the back, head elevated.

Nausea and Vomiting (n&v)

Possible side effects after caloric testing.

Ambulation Supervision

Assistance needed post-surgery due to dizziness.

Avoid Physical Activity

Restriction for 1 week post-ear surgery.

Caloric testing

Assesses vestibular function using temperature changes.

Decibels

Unit measuring sound intensity levels.

Ear surgery care

Avoid air travel for 2-3 weeks post-surgery.

Cerumen impaction

Blockage of ear canal by earwax.

Earwax consistency

Changes from semi-liquid to hard over time.

Irrigation method

Uses water to remove earwax blockage safely.

Mineral oil use

Softens wax for easier removal from ear.

Hydrogen peroxide drops

Ceruminolytic agent for softening earwax.

Insect removal technique

Pour oil to suffocate insect in ear.

Gravity method

Tilt head to dislodge foreign objects.

Ear canal irrigation

Direct water stream against wax for removal.

Ear drying methods

Use alcohol drops or low heat from a dryer.

Eardrum integrity

Must be intact before irrigation procedures.

Normal hearing threshold

Young normal ear detects sound at 0 dB.

Warm water caloric testing

Stimulates greater vestibular response than cold.

Lateral decubitus position

Recommended position during caloric testing.

Ear surgery instructions

Keep client flat post-procedure for recovery.

Tweezers caution

Avoid using tweezers for deep ear objects.

Wax Plug Removal

Consult healthcare provider if removal attempts fail.

Irrigation

Method to remove ear wax using water.

Suctioning

Technique to extract wax from ear canal.

Curette

Small device for manual wax removal.

Welch Allyn Ear Wash System

Device using hydrovac action for ear cleaning.

Otitis Externa

Infection of skin lining the ear canal.

Swimmer's Ear

Common name for otitis externa infection.

Staphylococcus Aureus

Bacteria causing skin infections in ear canal.

Pseudomonas Species

Bacteria often responsible for ear infections.

Aspergillus

Fungus that can cause ear infections.

Symptoms of Otitis Externa

Itching, pain, discharge, fever, hearing loss.

Ear Canal Appearance

Red, swollen, eczema-like with scaly skin.

Ear Drainage Culture

Test to identify bacteria or fungus in ear.

Topical Medications

Used to treat infections in the ear canal.

Ear Drops

Contain antibiotics and corticosteroids for treatment.

Wick Usage

Device to help medication reach swollen ear canal.

Analgesics

Pain relievers for severe ear pain.

Warm Compress

Used to alleviate ear pain.

Otitis Media

Inflammation or infection of the middle ear.

Acute Otitis Media

Sudden onset ear infection lasting less than 3 weeks.

Chronic Otitis Media

Long-lasting ear infection causing mucosal inflammation.

Myringotomy

Surgical procedure to relieve middle ear pressure.

Mastoiditis

Infection of the mastoid bone, often from ear infection.

Symptoms of Mastoiditis

Includes ear pain, fever, and drainage.

Mastoidectomy

Surgery to remove part of mastoid bone.

Tympanoplasty

Surgery to repair or reconstruct the eardrum.

Otosclerosis

Condition causing hearing loss due to stapes fixation.

Schwartze' sign

Pink hue behind tympanic membrane in otosclerosis.

Stapedectomy

Surgery to remove fixed stapes for hearing improvement.

Antibiotics for Mastoiditis

Injected antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics for treatment.

Ear tube placement

Inserts tube to drain fluid and prevent re-accumulation.

Post-op monitoring

Check for dizziness and signs of meningitis.

Fluid accumulation

Build-up of fluid in the middle ear.

Hearing aid

Device to assist hearing post-surgery if needed.

Incision healing

Sutures dissolve, hole in eardrum closes spontaneously.

Ossiculoplasty

Repair of small bones behind the tympanic membrane.