Question Easy:
A 4-year-old child presents with irritability, pulling at the ear, and a fever. Upon examination, you notice an erythematous, bulging tympanic membrane. What is the most likely diagnosis? 😊
A) Otitis media
B) Otitis externa
C) Labyrinthitis
D) Perforated eardrum
E) Mastoiditis
Question Medium:
A 65-year-old man complains of gradual hearing loss in both ears. He occasionally experiences tinnitus. His otoscopic examination is normal. What is the most likely type of hearing loss?
A) Conductive hearing loss
B) Sensorineural hearing loss
C) Mixed hearing loss
D) Central hearing loss
E) Sudden idiopathic hearing loss
Question Hard:
A 32-year-old woman reports recurrent episodes of vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the right ear over the past year. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis according to NICE guidelines?
A) Meniere’s disease
B) Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
C) Vestibular neuritis
D) Acoustic neuroma
E) Labyrinthitis
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: A) Otitis media
Question Easy Explanation: Otitis media is common in children and often presents with symptoms such as ear pain, irritability, and fever. The erythematous, bulging tympanic membrane is indicative of middle ear inflammation, consistent with this diagnosis. Treatment may involve analgesics and, if necessary, antibiotics as per NICE guidelines.
Question Medium Answer: B) Sensorineural hearing loss
Question Medium Explanation: In older adults, gradual, bilateral hearing loss with tinnitus in the absence of otoscopic abnormalities is commonly attributed to presbycusis, a type of sensorineural hearing loss resulting from age-related changes in the inner ear or auditory nerve. Guidelines recommend audiometric testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Question Hard Answer: A) Meniere’s disease
Question Hard Explanation: Meniere’s disease is characterized by the classic triad of episodic vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus, often accompanied by aural fullness. According to NICE guidelines, management involves lifestyle modifications, vestibular rehabilitation, and in some cases, medication or surgical intervention if symptoms are severe.
Medical fact of the day: 🧠 The human nose can distinguish approximately 1 trillion different scents. This ability plays a crucial role in the detection of environmental hazards, food safety, and even the emotional connections we make through familiar smells.
Quote of the day: “In the quiet moments, healing happens. In the chaos, compassion grows. Keep shining your light.” 🌟