Autoimmune inner-ear disease refers to a progressive, bilateral, although often asynchronous, sensorineural hearing loss, and vestibular function presumed autoimmune condition in which there is sudden or rapidly progressive fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss in the absence of any other neurologic or systemic immunologic abnormalities. The autoimmune inner ear disease is a clinical syndrome with uncertain pathogenesis that is … [Read more…]

Epistaxis (nosebleed) is one of the most common ear, nose, and throat (ENT) emergencies that present to the emergency department or the primary care clinic. There are two types of nosebleeds: anterior (more common), and posterior (less common, but more likely to require medical attention). The source of 90% of anterior nosebleeds is within Kiesselbach’s … [Read more…]

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) is a rare pain syndrome that affects the glossopharyngeal nerve (the ninth cranial nerve that lies deep within the neck)  and causes sharp, stabbing pulses of pain in the back of the throat and tongue, the tonsils, and the middle ear.  The excruciating pain of GN can last for a few seconds … [Read more…]

Ear Irrigation/Cerumen, or ear wax, is a naturally occurring substance that is produced at the lateral one-third of the external auditory canal (EAC). Anatomically, this region houses a collection of pilosebaceous glands that includes ceruminous glands, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands. The modified sweat produced by the ceruminous glands has bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties, functioning … [Read more…]

Pediatric hearing loss is a broad category that covers a wide range of pathologies. Early detection and prompt management are essential for the development of normal language and psychosocial functioning, as well as to identify potentially reversible causes or other underlying problems.  Hearing is measured in decibels, and the severity of the hearing loss is … [Read more…]

Presbycusis refers to bilateral age-related hearing loss. In literal terms, presbycusis means “old hearing” or “elder hearing.”[rx] It becomes noticeable around age 60 and progresses slowly; however, there is evidence that certain stressors can speed the rate of deterioration. The diagnosis can be confirmed with audiometry.[rx] The hallmark of presbycusis is the impaired ability to understand high-frequency components … [Read more…]

Examination of the ear is a vital skill for a variety of medical professionals, including otolaryngologists, primary care physicians, emergency care physicians, paramedics, and pediatricians. Pathologies that result in positive ear examination findings range from the common and benign, such as viral labyrinthitis, to the rare and potentially life-threatening, such as acute bacterial mastoiditis. Anatomy … [Read more…]

Hyperacusis is a rare disorder of loudness perception, where sounds that are ordinarily considered innocuous become intolerable.[rx] Patients may perceive this sensation as painful, frightening, unpleasant, or excessively loud.[rx] Hyperacusis often co-exists with tinnitus and can cause significant distress, with patients regularly reporting impairment in their social, occupational, and recreational activities.[rx] Avoiding sound sources and seeking medical attention … [Read more…]

The Weber test is a useful, quick, and simple screening test for the evaluation of hearing loss. The test can detect unilateral conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. The outer and middle ear mediate conductive hearing. The inner ear mediates sensorineural hearing. The Weber test is often combined with the Rinne test to detect the location … [Read more…]

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is the inability of the Eustachian tube to adequately perform these functions. However, the precise function and mechanisms of the Eustachian tube and the underlying causes of dysfunction are complex and not fully understood.[rx] From a diagnostic perspective, ETD is also poorly defined. Eustachian tube dysfunction may occur when the mucosal lining … [Read more…]

Meniere’s disease is a disease of the inner ear, characterized by the clinical triad of recurrent vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus.[rx] The relapsing nature of the disease may significantly affect the patients’ quality of life, especially during periods of acute symptomatology.[rx,rx] Vertigo mainly influences the physical dimension, while tinnitus and hearing loss influence … [Read more…]

What Is Tinnitus?/Tinnitus is defined as a sound a person hears that is generated by the body, rather than by outside source. Most tinnitus is subjective. This means the examiner cannot hear it, and there are no tools to measure or hear that sound. Objective tinnitus can arise from an aneurysm. This can be objectified … [Read more…]