Consider the parts in and around the outer and middle ear (e.g., an ear canal, tympanic membrane, malleus, incus, stapes, and oval window). These are elements of the conductive portion of hearing function.
Analyze physiology of communication (ILO3, PLO3)
Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of communication to diagnose and treat patients with communication disorders (ILO3, PLO3)
Directions
Identify pathologies and conditions that arise which would result in conductive hearing loss (e.g., how would blast injury in a military veteran affect conductive hearing loss?).
Explain the effect of arthritis on the ossicular chain.
Explain the effect of infections within the middle ear chambers.
Several pathologies and conditions can disrupt the normal transmission of sound waves through the outer and middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss. Here are some examples, including how a blast injury might affect it:
Arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects synovial joints. The ossicles in the middle ear (malleus, incus, and stapes) are connected by synovial joints. Therefore, arthritis can indeed affect the ossicular chain in the following ways:
Infections within the middle ear chambers, commonly known as otitis media, can significantly affect conductive hearing function through several mechanisms:
In summary, pathologies and conditions affecting the outer and middle ear structures, including blast injuries, arthritis, and middle ear infections, can all disrupt the efficient conduction of sound waves to the inner ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss. Understanding the specific mechanisms by which these issues interfere with the normal function of the ear canal, tympanic membrane, and ossicular chain is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.