hearing

Chapter 20: Disorders of Hearing and Vestibular Function

Otitis Media

• Definition: Commonly referred to as an “ear infection.”

• Prevalence:

  • More common in children than in adults; however, adults can still experience this condition.

Acute Otitis Media (OM) in Children

• Anatomy:

  • The eustachian tube in children is characterized by being shorter, more horizontal, and wider than in adults.

  • The anatomical configuration allows for easier spread of infection through the canal, particularly in infants who spend considerable time lying down.

Risk Factors for Otitis Media

• Environmental and Behavioral Risks:

  • Presence of smokers in the household.

  • Infants who are bottle-fed.

  • Attendance in daycare settings.

Symptoms of Otitis Media

• Common Symptoms Include:

  • Ear pain (often noticed as fear of pulling at the ear).

  • Fever.

  • Ear discharge (ear orrhea).

  • Dizziness.

  • Hearing loss.

Treatment Options for Otitis Media

• Common Treatments Include:

  • Antibiotics (abx).

  • Analgesics for pain relief.

  • Myringotomy for severe cases (surgical procedure to relieve pressure).

Terminology

• Tinnitus:

  • Definition: Symptoms include hearing noises that are not produced by an external source.

  • Common Descriptions: Often described as “ringing” or “buzzing” in the ears.

• Vertigo:

  • Definition: A sensation where the person perceives that either they or their environment is in motion.

  • Types of Vertigo:

  • Objective Vertigo: The environment appears to be in motion while the person is stationary.

  • Subjective Vertigo: The person is in motion while the environment remains stationary.

• Motion Sickness:

  • Definition: A condition induced by repeated rhythmic stimulation of the vestibular system.

  • Common Triggers: Typically occurs during travel in cars, airplanes, or boats.

Ménière Disease

• Definition: A disorder of the inner ear that significantly impacts balance.

Causes of Ménière Disease

• Primary Causes: Unknown.

• Possible Contributing Factors:

  • Trauma.

  • Infections (e.g., syphilis).

  • Immune system disorders.

  • Endocrine conditions such as adrenal–pituitary insufficiency and hypothyroidism.

  • Vascular disorders.

Symptoms of Ménière Disease

• Common Symptoms Include:

  • Fluctuating episodes of tinnitus.

  • A sensation of fullness in the ear.

  • Severe vertigo attacks, often rendering the individual incapable of sitting or walking.

Treatment for Ménière Disease

• Treatment Options Include:

  • Medications to manage symptoms.

  • Implementation of a low sodium diet.

  • Surgical options in severe cases.

Complications of Chronic or Recurrent Otitis Media

• Possible Complications Include:

  • Hearing loss that can be temporary or permanent.