Medical Terminology Simplified

Inflammation of the middle ear, which is commonly the result of an upper respiratory

infection (URI)

Noninfectious inflammation of the middle ear with accumulation of serum (clear fluid)

Treatment for serous OM may include myringotomy to aspirate fluid and the surgical

insertion of pressure-equalizing (PE) tubes. (See Fig. 11–6.)

Inflammation of the middle ear with pus formation

Suppurative OM is a common affliction in infants and young children, due to the hori-

zontal orientation and small diameter of the eustachian tube in such patients, which

predisposes them to infection. If left untreated, complications include ruptured tympanic

membrane, mastoiditis, labyrinthitis, hearing loss, and meningitis.

Impairment of hearing that results from the aging process

Ringing or tinkling noise heard constantly or intermittently in one or both ears, even

in a quiet environment

Tinnitus may be a sign of injury to the ear, some disease process, or toxic levels of some

medications (such as aspirin).

Sensation of moving around in space or a feeling of spinning or dizziness

Vertigo usually results from inner ear structure damage associated with balance and

equilibrium.

Diagnostic Procedures

Eye

Eye evaluation that provides a stereoscopic (three-dimensional) view of the eye’s

interior using a binocular microscope (slit lamp) of a high-intensity light source to

accentuate the anatomical structure of the eye, allowing close inspection

The slit lamp provides greater magnification (10 to 25 times) and illumination than

most handheld devices. (See Fig. 11–11.)

Test to measure increased intraocular pressure (IOP) to detect glaucoma

Tonometry is performed with the slit lamp, but also uses a small, flat disk pressed

against the cornea or a short burst of air directed at the cornea to measure IOP.

(See Fig. 11–11.)

530 CHAPTER 11• Special Senses: Eyes and Ears

tonometry

tōn-ŎM-ĕ-trē

ton/o: tension

-metry: act of measuring

tinnitus

tĭn-Ī-tĭs

presbycusis

prĕz-bĭ-KŪ-sĭs

presby: old age

-cusis: hearing

otitis media (OM)

ō-TĪ-tĭs MĒ-dē-ă

ot: ear

-itis: inflammation

med: middle

-ia: condition

serous

suppurative

vertigo

VĔR-tĭ-gō

slit-lamp examination