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Disorders of the external ear

Terms in this set (20)

Conductive hearing loss
Pathology is found in the External Ear and or Middle Ear. The Inner ear is normal
Maximum conductive hearing loss
60dB
sensory hearing loss
Pathology: Cochlear. The outer ear is normal and the neural tract is functioning normally.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Pathology occurs in the cochlea or 8th nerve. External and Middle ear(conductive mechanism) are intact. Can be of any severity from mild to profound. e.g., Presbycusis
Mixed Hearing Loss
A combination of both conductive and Sensorineural hearing loss. There is some pathology either in the external or middle ear along with pathology in the sensorineural system. e.g., Elderly veteran with otitis media
Neural Hearing Loss
Pathology: Neural. The Outer and Inner ear function properly. Disorder known as Auditory Neuropathy
Otoscopy procedure
Wash hands. Inspect patient external ear for deformity or defect. Inspect ear canal, note size, direction, shape of canal, foreign body, cerumen buildup or occlusion. Examine tympanic membrane. Identify landmarks, umbo, cone of light, color, scarring, perforation, or deformity. Note presence of PE tubes
Congenital malformations of the external ear
Are related to developmental defects of the first and second branchial arches and the branchial groove which joins the first pharyngeal pouch to form the external ear canal.
Hypoplasia
Underdevelopment or incomplete development of a tissue or organ
Atresia
Malformation of the external ear canal; a conductive blockade of connective tissue or bone. Rate of occurrence 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000 live births. Unilateral atresia - 3 times more common than bilateral, right side and male more common. Severity can range from mild to severe
Maldevelopment of the first pharyngeal pouch
Leads to abnormalities in Eustachian tube, middle ear, and mastoid differentiation. These malformation may occur singly or in combination
Cerumen removal
The nonroutine removal of cerumen within the cartilaginous ear canal
Otomycosis
Fungal ear infection or mycotic otitis externa. In one study, a review of over 12,000 cases of otomycosis found that the correct diagnosis was missed on the first clinical visit 90% of the time. The primary predisposing factor for otomycosis is living in a warm, humid climate--the disease is much more prevalent in tropical countries
Otomycosis symptoms
severe itching, progressing to pain, hearing loss, and (less frequently) discharge. Generally looks whitish-grey, yellow, or black . Commonly described as something that looks like "blotting paper" or "wet newspaper" covering the canal. This superficial layer usually separates, leaving red, tender skin underneath.
Keratosis Obturans
It is the growth of extra epithelial tissue in the external auditory canal of the ear. Might be mistaken for excessive cerumen. Usually bilateral and seen in young patients, typically with a history of sinusitis or bronchiectasis; unilateral disease occurs predominately in adults.
Keratosis Obturans symptoms
Conductive hearing loss or pain.
Keratosis Obturans treatment
Treatment is by removal of all debris and if the condition is recurrent, it may be necessary to drill the floor of the bony ear canal so that it no longer represents a deep pocket external to the tympanic membrane but is flush with the entire canal.
Exostosis
The most common bony abnormality of the external auditory canal. 6.3 of every 1000 patients. A gradual narrowing of the bony canal by bony growths arising from the surface of the bone. The bone mounds usually occur bilaterally and are asymptomatic. Often observed in individuals who swim in cold water: "surfers ear".
Common exostosis symptoms
Trouble draining water of the ear, ear aches and pain, minor to serious ear infections, and minor to complete loss of hearing.
Osteoma
Usually small, whitish, rounded masses that occur near the eardrum. Typically solitary, unilateral bony growth. Less common than exostosis. Incidence of osteoma typically peaks in the fourth decade of life. Usually asymptomatic; More common in men than in women
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