his 125 disorders of the outer ear overview
TRANSCRIPT
Disorders of the Outer Ear
During otoscopy, there many visual abnormalities which may be revealed.
For now, we will review some of the more common conditions.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Atresia
Most atresia is congenital in nature and associated with various syndromes.
Atresia is a malformation of the pinna or external auditory meatus.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Otic Atresia
This is a common form of atresia where the ear canal is not formed. However, all the components of the middle ear are completely formed.
This may occur for one or both ears.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Atresia
A couple of common syndromes associated with congenital atresia are:
1. Treacher Collins syndrome
2. CHARGE syndrome
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Stenosis Is a narrowing of the ear canal. It is
not commonly associated with any hearing loss or syndrome.
A stenotic ear canal condition may result in excessive cerumen accumulation and challenges to hearing instrument fittings.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
External Otitis
This condition is most commonly found within our patient/client population. It is sometimes known as “swimmers ear”.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
External Otitis
Acute cases will present with a red swollen ear canal with some discharge. This is a very painful condition and should be referred to a physician for proper treatment.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
External Otitis
Besides water trapped in an ear canal, external otitis may result from an allergic reaction to the earmold or hearing instrument materials.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
External Otitis
If this condition is untreated over time, the infection will deteriorate the temporal bone, invade the brain, and result in death. i.e. osteomyelitis of the temporal bone.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Otomycosis
During otoscopy you may observe small mushrooms growing inside the ear canal. The spores from this fungus spread rapidly, so make certain all equipment is immediately sterilized.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Osteomas & Exostoses
They are often benign bony growths found inside the ear canal. They should be observed for abnormal growth rate and noted in the chart.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Osteomas & Exostoses
If hearing loss is present with this condition, or if they are unusually large or occluding the ear canal, physician referral is recommended.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Let’s review the Martin CD to view various external ear pathologies.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Cerumen aka Earwax
Excessive cerumen can create great difficulties with the use of hearing instruments. This condition should be monitored and referred appropriately.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Cerumen aka Earwax
Tympanometry is a good test to perform when uncertain about eardrum perforations or completely occluded ear canals.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Tympanic membrane (Eardrum)
Perforations of the TM are not always easily observed by otoscopy. Tympanometry will reveal even the smallest of perforations.
Note: Some perforations do not always result in measurable hearing loss.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Tympanic membrane (eardrum)
Chronic middle ear infections can thicken and scar the TM. The TM will have a white appearance.
Disorders of the Outer Ear
Tympanic membrane (eardrum)
A condition where calcium deposits form upon the TM and have spotty white patterns exhibited, is identified as tympanosclerosis. Hearing loss may or may not be associated with this condition.