Acute Otitis Media and Weber's Test Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does Rinne's test primarily measure?

Bone conduction compared to air conduction (correct)

Eustachian tube function

Balance function in the ear

Sensitivity to loud sounds

In which type of hearing loss does Weber's test lateralize to the opposite side of the affected ear?

Sensorineural hearing loss (correct)

Central auditory processing disorder

Mixed hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss

What characterizes serous otitis media?

Severe ear pain and vomiting

Presence of infected fluid

Acute onset with high fever

Presence of bubbles or air levels within effusion (correct)

What is a common symptom of serous otitis media?

Feeling of fullness in the ear Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason children are more at risk for acute otitis media compared to adults?

Children's Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal. Signup and view all the answers

What would indicate a negative Rinne test?

Bone conduction is better than air conduction Signup and view all the answers

What does a louder sound in one ear during Weber's test indicate?

Conductive hearing loss in the louder ear. Signup and view all the answers

Which bacteria is NOT commonly associated with acute otitis media?

Staphylococcus aureus Signup and view all the answers

What suggests that Rinne's test is positive?

Air conduction is better than bone conduction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with acute otitis media?

Nausea Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is likely to occur after a cold or respiratory infection due to Eustachian tube blockage?

Serous otitis media Signup and view all the answers

How does blockage in the Eustachian tube contribute to acute otitis media?

It traps mucus, creating an environment for bacteria to grow. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical nature of the fluid in serous otitis media?

Thin and clear Signup and view all the answers

During Weber's test, a hearing loss is suspected if sound is lateralized towards which ear?

The quieter ear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual duration for the majority of acute otitis media cases to self-resolve?

2-3 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common risk factor for developing acute otitis media?

Having allergies or colds Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

AOM is an infection of the middle ear, more common in children due to their shorter and more horizontal Eustachian tubes.
Clogged Eustachian tubes trap mucus, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
Risk factors include allergies, colds, and smoke exposure, which inflame the throat or nose, obstructing the Eustachian tube.
Symptoms include ear pain (otalgia), hearing loss, fever, and fatigue.
AOM often resolves on its own within 2-3 weeks.
Common bacteria causing AOM:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae not typable
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Streptococcus pyogenes

Weber's Test

Determines if hearing loss is present and if it's worse in one ear.
Vibrating tuning fork is placed on the forehead or top of the head.
Sound heard equally in both ears indicates normal hearing or equal hearing loss in both ears.
Sound heard louder in one ear suggests:
- Conductive hearing loss in the louder ear (lateralizes to the hearing loss side).
- Sensorineural hearing loss in the quieter ear (lateralizes to the opposite side of the hearing loss).

Rinne's Test

Compares air conduction to bone conduction to identify conductive hearing loss.
Vibrating tuning fork placed on the mastoid bone (bone conduction).
When sound ceases, fork is moved near the ear canal (air conduction).
Normal hearing: Air conduction is louder than bone conduction.
Conductive hearing loss: Bone conduction is louder than air conduction (Rinne negative on the hearing loss side; negative on both sides if bilateral).
Sensorineural hearing loss: Both air and bone conduction are reduced, but air conduction is still better (Rinne remains positive).

Serous Otitis Media

Fluid (effusion) buildup in the middle ear without infection, often after a cold or respiratory infection.
Blocked Eustachian tube prevents fluid drainage.
Symptoms include ear fullness, muffled hearing, and sometimes mild discomfort; typically no pain or fever.
Fluid is thin and clear (serous).
Often resolves on its own.
Treatment may include decongestants, nasal steroids, or myringotomy (ear tube insertion).

Key Differences: AOM vs. Serous Otitis Media

AOM: Infection present with pus buildup, causing pain, hearing loss, fever, and fatigue.
Serous Otitis Media: No infection, fluid buildup is clear and thin, causing ear fullness, muffled hearing, and possibly mild discomfort, but no pain or fever.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Acute Otitis Media (AOM) and Weber's Test. This quiz covers the causes, symptoms, and risk factors of AOM, as well as the methodology and interpretation of Weber's Test for hearing loss. Ideal for students studying audiology or related health fields.