Welch Allyn A Guide To The Use Of Diagnostic Instruments In Eye And Ear Examinations - Quick Reference Guide - Manual (Page 16)

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Common Pathologies of the Ear
ADHESIVE (ATROPHIC) OTITIS MEDIA
(LEFT EAR)
Following long-standing eustachian tube obstruction, the tympanic
membrane may become atrophic and retracted onto the medial
wall of the middle ear and ossicles, thereby obliterating the middle
ear space. In this case, a thin atrophic tympanic membrane
is draped over the head of the stapes and the tip of the long
process of the incus has been eroded. It can sometimes be
difficult to differentiate an atrophic, immobile, retracted tympanic
membrane from a large central perforation. In this circumstance,
pneumatic otoscopy is often of value.
TRAUMATIC PERFORATION (LEFT EAR)
These perforations result from a variety of causes, including a
blow to the ear, blast injury, the insertion of a cotton tipped swab
or bobby pin, but rarely follow forceful syringing. Traumatic
perforations generally involve the posterior part of the pars
tensa. While traumatic perforations may be of any shape or
size, they are usually small with clean-cut edges. Fresh blood
may be seen in the deep meatus. Most traumatic perforations
heal spontaneously, provided the ear canal is kept clean and
dry to prevent secondary infection.
CHOLESTEATOMA (RIGHT EAR)
A cholesteatoma is a slowly expanding and eroding cyst lined
with stratified squamous keratinizing epithelium which invades
the middle ear cleft. The presence of whitish keratin debris
within a postero-superior perforation indicates the presence of
an underlying epidermoid cholesteatoma. Serious intracranial
complications may result from the expansion and erosion of the
cholesteatoma sac.
Other Ear Care Products
EXTERNAL EAR CANAL
Otoscopy
Otoscopy is one of the primary methods a practitioner uses for diagnosing
patient complaints for the entire ear-nose-throat complex. The otoscope
provides the practitioner with a clear image of the ear canal and the
tympanic membrane to diagnose ear pathologies.
Ear Wash System
Some patients suffer from a build-up of cerumen in the ear canal, which can result in
reduced hearing and prevent the examiner from viewing the tympanic membrane. Ear
washing is a proven method to remove cerumen, and is one of the most commonly
performed procedures in the primary care office. The Welch Allyn Ear Wash System
provides an effective device using suction and irrigation to remove cerumen from
patients of all ages. This easy to use system allows for cleaner and safer irrigation
compared to other methods.
MIDDLE EAR: TYMPANOMETRY
A tympanometer provides the most accurate, objective means of determining
middle ear status. Tympanometric results can indicate otitis media with effusion,
perforated tympanic membrane, patent tympanostomy tube, ossicular disruption,
tympanosclerosis, cholesteatoma, as well as other middle ear disorders.
Welch Allyn MicroTymp 2: A portable and compact tympanometric instrument that
provides accurate, objective results and printed documentation in seconds.
Welch Allyn TM262: A three in one instrument that offers tympanometry and
ipsilateral acoustic reflex testing, with optional manual audiometry in one convenient,
compact design.
INNER EAR: AUDIOMETRY
An audiometer is an electronic instrument for generating sounds that can be used
to measure an individual’s hearing sensitivity. Audiometric measurement of auditory
function can determine the degree of hearing loss, estimate the location of the lesion
within the auditory system that is producing the problem, and can help establish the
cause of the hearing problem.
Welch Allyn AudioScope 3: A portable audiometer to quickly and accurately screen
patients at three different levels: 20, 25, and 40dB, allowing all patients to be
screened with a single instrument.
Welch Allyn AM232: A manual audiometer that has the ability to test hearing in ranges
beyond speech frequencies. With this instrument, the practitioner can obtain the precise
threshold of patients’ hearing to better identify specific patterns of hearing loss.
Inner Ear
Middle
Ear
External
Ear Canal