Assessment of Ears – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing anatomy, physiology, assessment findings, pathologies, risk factors, and tests related to ear health and hearing.

Auricle (Pinna)

The visible external portion of the ear that funnels sound into the auditory canal.

External Auditory Canal

S-shaped tube leading from the auricle to the tympanic membrane; contains cerumen-secreting glands.

Tympanic Membrane (Eardrum)

Pearly-gray, translucent membrane separating the external canal from the middle ear; vibrates with sound.

Cone of Light

Triangular reflection of otoscope light seen on a healthy tympanic membrane.

Middle Ear

Air-filled chamber housing the ossicles and connected to the nasopharynx by the eustachian tube.

Ossicles (Malleus, Incus, Stapes)

Three tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear.

Eustachian Tube

Canal that equalizes air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane by connecting the middle ear to the nasopharynx.

Inner Ear (Labyrinth)

Complex structure containing the cochlea and vestibular system responsible for hearing and balance.

Organ of Corti

Sensory organ within the cochlea that converts mechanical sound waves into nerve impulses.

Conductive Hearing

Transmission of sound waves through the external and middle ear structures.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Impaired sound transmission due to blockage or dysfunction of the external or middle ear (e.g., cerumen, otitis media).

Sensorineural Hearing

Hearing that depends on the inner ear, cranial nerve VIII, and auditory cortex.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Loss caused by damage to the inner ear, CN VIII, or brain (e.g., noise exposure, ototoxic drugs).

Air Conduction

Normal pathway of sound through the air, canal, and middle ear to the cochlea.

Bone Conduction

Alternate pathway where sound vibrations travel through skull bones directly to the inner ear.

Otorrhea

Discharge from the ear canal; may indicate infection or CSF leak.

Otalgia

Ear pain.

Tinnitus

Perception of ringing, roaring, or crackling sounds without an external source.

Ear Candling/Coning

Unproven, risky practice of inserting a hollow candle in the ear to remove wax; may cause burns or perforation.

Tophi

Hard nodules of uric acid crystals on the auricle, associated with gout.

Sebaceous Cyst (Ear)

Benign, often tender nodule resulting from blocked sebaceous glands in the auricle.

Keloid (Ear)

Overgrowth of scar tissue at a piercing or injury site on the ear.

Otitis Externa

Inflammation of the external auditory canal; red, swollen canal with possible pain and discharge (‘swimmer’s ear’).

Acute Otitis Media

Middle-ear infection producing a red, bulging tympanic membrane with diminished light reflex.

Serous Otitis Media

Fluid behind the tympanic membrane causing yellow, bulging appearance without acute infection.

Perforated Tympanic Membrane

Hole or rupture of the eardrum due to trauma or infection, often with purulent or bloody discharge.

Scarred Tympanic Membrane

White patches or streaks on the eardrum from previous infections or perforations.

Whisper Test

Screening exam where the examiner whispers words 2 ft behind the client to assess hearing acuity.

Romberg Test

Balance test: client stands with feet together, eyes closed; excessive swaying suggests vestibular disorder.

Cerumen

Protective earwax produced by modified sweat glands; normally self-clearing.

Mastoiditis

Inflammation of the mastoid process; presents as tenderness behind the ear.

Darwin’s Tubercle

Small, painless nodule on the helix; normal auricular variation.

Premature Birth/Hypoxia (Hearing Risk)

Perinatal factors that increase likelihood of later hearing impairment.

Ototoxic Medications

Drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, loop diuretics) that can damage the inner ear and cause sensorineural loss.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Permanent sensorineural damage from occupational or recreational exposure to loud sounds.

Presbycusis

Age-related degeneration of hair cells resulting in high-frequency hearing loss.

Auricle Alignment Criterion

Top of pinna should line with an imaginary line from the eye corner to the occiput and within 10° of vertical.

Hearing Aid

Electronic device worn to amplify sound for individuals with hearing impairment.

Audiometry

Precise, quantitative hearing test measuring hearing thresholds across frequencies.

Ear Canal Polyp

Benign growth protruding into the external auditory canal; may bleed or cause discharge.