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A sudden decrease in ability to hear in one ear may be associated with
Otitis media, earwax impaction, or foreign body obstruction.
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Often begins with a loss of high frequency sounds followed later by loss of low-frequency sounds.
Presbycusis
A gradual sudden sensorineural hearing loss, common after the ace of 50 years
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Drainage or otorrhea usually indicates
Infection
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Purulent, bloody drainage suggests an infection of the external ear or
External otitis
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Purulent drainage associated with pain and a popping sensation is characteristic of
Otitis media with perforation of the tympanic membrane
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Can occur with ear infections, cerumen blockage, sinus infections, or teeth and gum problems, after tonsil surgery, or from a ruptured eardrum
Earache/ear pain/otalgia
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Pain caused by a fungal ear infection known as
Swimmer's ear
Differs from pain felt in middle ear, or wiggling, the pinna may suggest otitis externa.
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May also occur from inserting a bobby pin, finger nail, or key into ear canal in an attempt to clean or scratch one's ear
Otitis externa
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May be associated with excessive earwax buildup, high BP, certain ototoxic medications, Meniere disease, head and neck injuries, acoustic neuroma, eustachian tube dysfunction, or muscle spasms in the middle ear.
Tinnitus (Ringin in the ears)
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May be associated with an inner ear problem
Vertigo (true spinning motion)
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A type of vertigo wherein the client feels that he is spinning around
Subjective vertigo
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A type of vertigo wherein the client feels that the room is spinning around them
Objective vertigo
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Obstructs transmission of sound waves from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear, reducing hearing ability
Otosclerosis
Fusion of the ossicles in the middle ear over time
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often occurs aged over 50 years and women; head injury or damage to balance organs
BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO (BPPV)
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when water stays in the ear canal for long periods of time
OTITIS EXTERNA
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