Ear research
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Doctors working in the department of otolaryngology are always very noticeable: they always have a concave mirror with a hole in the center above their eyes. These are reflectors that collect rays from an independent light source into a strong beam, perfectly illuminating the ENT organs, allowing them to be viewed stereoscopically, leaving their hands free to manipulate.
How is the ear study?
First of all, examine the auricle and adjacent areas to it - whether there is inflammation or swelling. In the presence of secretions from the ear, take a swab material for seeding, and remove sulfur from the external auditory meatus. Attach the most comfortable and large ear funnel to the otoscope and examine the external auditory meatus and tympanic membrane as follows. Pull the auricle up and back and thus straighten the external auditory canal (in babies the ear concha should be pulled down and back). The handle of the malleus is a good guide, located behind the eardrum. Ahead and kiizu you see a good light reflex formed in this place because of the concavity of the tympanic membrane. It should be noted the transparency of the tympanic membrane, the color, whether it swells or perforations. The perforation of the tympanic membrane in its loose part indicates a serious pathology. The mobility of the tympanic membrane can be checked using an ear funnel with a glass cover from the front and a small "scion" on the side, to which a small rubber canister is connected. As you squeeze the can, the eardrum begins to move. Eustachian tube can be seen with the movement of the eardrum during the patient's performance of the Valsalva trial.
Ear anatomy
The cartilage of the auricle develops from six tubercles. If its parts do not merge densely with each other, fistulas (usually a small fistula in front of the goat) or additional ears (cartilaginous bodies located between the corner of the mouth and the goat) can form.
The external auditory meatus is 3-4 cm long and has a slightly S-shaped form. Outer 1/3, its cartilage, or rather, the skin covering it, covered with hair, it also contains glands that secrete sulfur. Internal 1/3 of the external auditory meatus have a bone base covered with sensitive skin. Medially and anteriorly there is a front lower pocket - a recess in which dying particles of integuments are collected.
The tympanic membrane separates the external auditory canal from the tympanum (or middle ear). It is usually seen how the handle of the hammer rests against the eardrum. Most of the eardrum is tight (this is the so-called pars tensa), but above the lateral process of the malleus is a triangular part of the membrane, which is stretched to a lesser extent - it's pars flaccida, i.e. Its relaxed part (it is in this area that perforation of the overdrum space of the tympanic cavity usually takes place).
The middle ear is located in the petrotic (stony) part of the temporal bone. There are three bones in it. The eardrum is located laterally, the medial-inner ear is located. Only a thin bone plate separates the bottom of the middle ear cavity from the jugular vein, and above the same plate separates it from the temporal lobe of the brain. Ahead of the Eustachian tube connects it with a pharynx. At the back, it connects with the air cells of the mastoid process through the aditus and the drum sinus (mastoid sinus).
Sulfur
Sulfur protects the external auditory canal (covering his skin) from maceration. If the sealed sulfur tightly closes the external auditory meatus, the patient begins to experience discomfort, and as a result of disruption of sound waves, hearing deteriorates. The sulfur plug can be removed after softening with oil droplets (eg olive), which is instilled daily for 4 days. Remove the plug by washing with warm water (37 ° C) from the syringe. The jet of water should be directed up and back. If there is perforation of the tympanic membrane or the patient previously had surgery on the mastoid process, the sulfur plug should not be washed out.
Hematomas in the area of the external ear
They arise after a direct blow to the ear and must be quickly evacuated. To prevent ischemic necrosis of the auricle and collapse of its cartilage, a pressure bandage should be applied, otherwise deformity of the auricle, the so-called ear in the form of cauliflower, may occur. Ear shells of this form are also after perichondritis, which complicates mastoidectomy.
Exostoses
At the same time, smooth swelling under the skin appears on both sides in the region of the external auditory canal. Especially often this is observed in people involved in water sports. As a rule, exostoses proceed asymptomatically, but sometimes they contribute to water retention in the external auditory canal, which causes external otitis media. Very rarely they can completely cover the auditory canal and thereby cause deafness due to a disturbance in the conductivity of sound waves. In the latter case, surgical removal of exostoses using a dental boron is shown .
[7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12],
Foreign bodies in the ear
If an insect enters the external auditory canal, it should first be drowned in olive oil, and then rinsed out of the ear canal from the syringe. To remove other foreign bodies from the external auditory canal, it is better to consult a specialist, since the foreign body can slip deeply into the ear. In this case, often used devices with a hook or suction, but not the tweezers. In rare cases, there is a need for general anesthesia.