Martha, a 73-year-old widow, tells the nurse during the admission process that she was recently diagnosed with age-related hearing loss. Upon receiving such information, the nurse is correct if he suspects:
A. Ménière's disease
B. Otalgia
C. Otitis media
D. Presbycusis
Correct Answer: D. Presbycusis
The term presbycusis refers to sensorineural hearing impairment in elderly individuals. Presbycusis refers to bilateral age-related hearing loss. In literal terms, presbycusis means ‘old hearing’ or ‘elder hearing ‘. It is the most common cause of hearing loss worldwide and is estimated to affect approximately two-thirds of Americans aged 70 or older.
Option A: Meniere disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. In most cases, it is slowly progressive and has a significant impact on the social functioning of the individual affected.
Option B: Otalgia (ear pain) divides into two broad categories: primary and secondary otalgia. Primary otalgia is ear pain that arises directly from pathology within the inner, middle, or external ear. Secondary or referred otalgia is ear pain that occurs from pathology located outside the ear.
Option C: Acute otitis media (AOM) is defined as an infection of the middle ear and is the second most common pediatric diagnosis in the emergency department following upper respiratory infections. Although acute otitis media can occur at any age, it is most commonly seen between the ages of 6 to 24 months.
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