Ear Pathologies

Question 1

Impacted Cerumen

Answer 1

Build up of ear wax

Question 2

Impacted Cerumen S&S

Answer 2

• loss of hearing
• earache
• tinnitus
• itching

Question 3

Impacted Cerumen Treatment

Answer 3

ear wax removal

Question 4

Otitis Externa (AKA Swimmers Ear)

Answer 4

infection & inflammation of the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane (bacterial or fungal)

Question 5

Otitis Externa S&S

Answer 5

• itching/burning
• edema
• scaling
• crusting
• pain with pulling of pinna

Question 6

Otitis Externa Treatment

Answer 6

• Ear drops
• oral analgesics for pain
• keep ear dry

Question 7

Otitis Externa RTP

Answer 7

keep out of pool for 24 hrs of antibiotics

Question 8

Otitis Media

Answer 8

Fluid in the middle ear causing infection (bacterial or fungal)

Question 9

Otitis Media S&S

Answer 9

• fever
• otalgia
• feeling of fullness in ear
• tinnitus
• headaches
• hearing loss

Question 10

Otitis Media Treatment

Answer 10

antibiotics

Question 11

Otitis Media RTP

Answer 11

once afebrile

Question 12

Ruptured Tympanic Membrane

Answer 12

• Rupture or perforation of the eardrum
• caused by air pressure, blunt trauma, or infection

Question 13

Ruptured Tympanic Membrane S&S

Answer 13

• audible whistling
• tinnitus
• loss of hearing
• pus or discharge
• vertigo

Question 14

Ruptured Tympanic Membrane Treatment

Answer 14

refer

Question 15

Ruptured Tympanic Membrane RTP

Answer 15

at physician discretion

Question 16

Auricular Hematoma

Answer 16

compression/shearing condition caused subcutaneous bleeding in the auricular cartilage of the ear

Question 17

Auricular Hematoma S&S

Answer 17

hemorrhage and fluid accumulation in the helix fossa & concha

Question 18

Auricular Hematoma Treatment

Answer 18

• Ice & compression
• aspiration by physician
• dental rolls or collodion packs for prolonged pressure

Question 19

Battle’s Sign

Answer 19

• bruising behind ear on mastoid process
• suggests skull fracture
• typically does not show up immediately