Presbycusis is a gradual nerve degeneration that occurs with aging, leading to sensorineural hearing loss.
The three auditory ossicles are the malleus, incus, and stapes.
Signs of acute otitis media include a bulging, red tympanic membrane, earache, and possible fever.
The tympanic membrane (eardrum) separates the external ear from the middle ear.
Otitis media is a middle ear infection that can occur due to obstruction of the eustachian tube, leading to fluid accumulation and potential hearing loss.
The eustachian tube connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx and allows for equalization of air pressure on each side of the tympanic membrane.
The organ of Corti contains hair cells that mediate vibrations into electrical impulses for hearing.
Cerumen is a yellow, waxy material that lubricates and protects the ear, forming a barrier against foreign bodies.
Aging can lead to changes in the ear structure, such as coarse cilia and drier cerumen, resulting in hearing loss and increased risk for conditions like presbycusis.
Conductive hearing loss involves a mechanical dysfunction of the external or middle ear, often due to factors like impacted cerumen or a perforated tympanic membrane.
The whispered voice test is used to screen for high-frequency hearing loss.
The external ear, also known as the auricle or pinna, serves to funnel sound waves into the external auditory canal.
The 1-3-6 program ensures that all newborns are screened for hearing loss before leaving the hospital, with follow-up by 3 months and intervention by 6 months if needed.
The three parts of the ear are the external ear, middle ear, and inner ear.
The semicircular canals are responsible for maintaining equilibrium and balance by providing information about the body's position in space.
The cochlea contains the central hearing apparatus and converts sound vibrations into electrical impulses.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing or buzzing, without an external source, often associated with hearing loss.
