Comprehensive Nursing Notes on Disturbed Sensory Perception: Hearing

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

Middle ear infection common in children. Symptoms include otorrhea (if TM ruptures), otalgia (stops if TM ruptures), fever, and tugging at the ear. Treatment involves broad-spectrum antibiotics (Amoxicillin) and surgical options such as Myringotomy or ventilating tube placement.

Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Caused by trauma (skull fracture, Q-tips) or infection pressure. Symptoms include ear pain and possible fluid drainage. Treatment may involve surgical repair (Myringoplasty or Tympanoplasty) if it fails to heal.

Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear)

Inflammation of the external ear canal. Symptoms include pain, discharge (yellow, green, foul), and aural tenderness on manipulation. Treatment focuses on pain relief and may include antibiotic/corticosteroid drops.

Cerumen Impaction

Waxy buildup in the ear canal that can cause pain and hearing loss. Management involves irrigation with warm water if the TM is intact and using Debrox (OTC). Avoid implements to prevent TM perforation.

Ménière Disease

Characterized by increased hydraulic pressure in inner ear lymphatics. Symptoms include intermittent vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Treatment involves dietary management (low sodium), medications (Meclizine for vertigo), and diuretics.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

A condition causing incapacitating vertigo triggered by head position changes due to 'stuck' inner ear crystals. Treatment includes bedrest and repositioning maneuvers like the Epley Maneuver.

Labyrinthitis

Inflammation of the labyrinth causing vertigo and hearing loss. Symptoms include dizziness and imbalance. Treatment may require antibiotics for bacterial forms.

Ototoxicity

Permanent damage to the cochlea or CN VIII due to certain drugs. Common drugs include loop diuretics (Furosemide) and aminoglycosides (Gentamycin). Treatment involves cessation of the offending medication.

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)\n\n

Middle ear infection common in children. Symptoms include otorrhea (if TM ruptures), otalgia (stops if TM ruptures), fever, and tugging at the ear. Treatment involves broad-spectrum antibiotics (Amoxicillin) and surgical options such as Myringotomy or ventilating tube placement.\n\n

Tympanic Membrane Perforation\n\n

Caused by trauma (skull fracture, Q-tips) or infection pressure. Symptoms include ear pain and possible fluid drainage. Treatment may involve surgical repair (Myringoplasty or Tympanoplasty) if it fails to heal.\n\n

Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear)\n\n

Inflammation of the external ear canal. Symptoms include pain, discharge (yellow, green, foul), and aural tenderness on manipulation. Treatment focuses on pain relief and may include antibiotic/corticosteroid drops.\n\n

Cerumen Impaction\n\n

Waxy buildup in the ear canal that can cause pain and hearing loss. Management involves irrigation with warm water if the TM is intact and using Debrox (OTC). Avoid implements to prevent TM perforation.\n\n

Ménière Disease\n\n

Characterized by increased hydraulic pressure in inner ear lymphatics. Symptoms include intermittent vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Treatment involves dietary management (low sodium), medications (Meclizine for vertigo), and diuretics.\n\n

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)\n\n

A condition causing incapacitating vertigo triggered by head position changes due to 'stuck' inner ear crystals. Treatment includes bedrest and repositioning maneuvers like the Epley Maneuver.\n\n

Labyrinthitis\n\n

Inflammation of the labyrinth causing vertigo and hearing loss. Symptoms include dizziness and imbalance. Treatment may require antibiotics for bacterial forms.\n\n

Ototoxicity\n\n

Permanent damage to the cochlea or CN VIII due to certain drugs. Common drugs include loop diuretics (Furosemide) and aminoglycosides (Gentamycin). Treatment involves cessation of the offending medication.\n\n

Conductive Hearing Loss

This type occurs when sound waves are not efficiently conducted through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. It can be caused by ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, a perforated eardrum, or earwax buildup.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This results from damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve pathways to the brain. Causes can include aging, exposure to loud sounds, head trauma, infections, and genetic factors.

Mixed Hearing Loss

This type includes a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, meaning there are problems in both the outer/middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Central Hearing Loss

This is due to problems in the auditory pathways or centers in the brain.

Auditory Processing Disorder

This is when the brain has trouble interpreting sounds, despite normal hearing ability.