ENT Conditions
Otologic and rhinologic conditions seen in everyday ENT practice — presentation, examination findings, and evidence-based management, each cross-linked to the instruments and procedures used to treat them.
Acute Otitis Media
Bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear cleft, most common in children under two years, producing otalgia, fever, and conductive hearing loss with characteristic otoscopic and tympanometric findings.
Cerumen Impaction
Cerumen impaction is an accumulation of earwax that causes symptoms, prevents adequate examination of the ear canal or tympanic membrane, or both. It is one of the most common ear presentations across primary care, audiology, and ENT outpatient settings.
Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media
Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is persistent middle ear inflammation with a tympanic membrane perforation, producing otorrhoea for more than 2–3 months. The critical classification into tubotympanic (safe) and atticoantral (unsafe/dangerous) disease determines management and surgical approach.
Menière's Disease — Presentation and Diagnosis
Menière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterised by episodic vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness — the classic tetrad. It is caused by endolymphatic hydrops and remains a clinical diagnosis.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss — Recognition and Workup
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a medical emergency — ≥30 dB of SNHL occurring across ≥3 consecutive audiometric frequencies within 72 hours. It requires urgent audiological confirmation and ENT assessment. The aetiology is usually idiopathic but secondary causes must be excluded.
Tympanic Membrane Perforation
A breach in the tympanic membrane resulting in conductive hearing loss, risk of recurrent infection, and potential middle ear sequelae depending on size, position, and aetiology.