Ear Procedures I

Vocabulary flashcards covering diagnostic procedures, practical surgical considerations, skin preparation, and instrumentation for otologic procedures.

Tuning fork

An instrument used to perform an initial assessment of a patient's level of hearing by emitting a clear tone of a fixed pitch when tapped.

Audiometry

A diagnostic test helpful in determining the amount of damage to the sound conduction system and the type of hearing aid that will be helpful to the patient.

Otoscope

A lighted instrument that is used to view the external auditory canal.

Computed tomography (CT) scans

A noninvasive method of viewing inside the body that accurately defines bony structures.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A noninvasive method of viewing inside the body that accurately defines the soft tissues.

Tympanogram

A diagnostic test that measures the vibrations of the eardrum by placing a probe against the tympanic membrane.

Operating table orientation (Ear procedures)

Often reversed for ear procedures, placing the patient's head at the foot of the table.

Nitrous oxide

An anesthetic agent that cannot be used during ear surgery because it expands the middle ear, causing dislocation of the tympanic membrane graft.

Temporalis fascia

The most common autograft used for tympanoplasty because it is easily accessible.

Ear procedure skin prep

Surgical skin preparation extending from the hairline to the shoulders and from the midline of the face to well behind the operative ear.

Farrior ear specula

An instrument used to examine and provide operative access into the ear canal during otologic surgical procedures.

Buck ear curettes

Otologic instruments available in straight and angled forms used for scraping or removing tissue in ear procedures.

Brown applicator

An instrument used during otologic surgical procedures.

Sexton ear knife

A specialized surgical knife utilized in otologic procedures.

Baron suction tip

A fine-gauge suction instrument used for fluid evacuation during otologic surgical procedures.

House alligator ear forceps

A specialized grasping instrument used for manipulating and placing delicate items or tissue in otologic surgical procedures.

Adson bayonet dressing forceps

An angled bayonet-style dressing forceps used in otologic surgical procedures.