ENT: Deafness: Free MSRA Podcast

✅ MSRA Deep Dive: Deafness – Types, Causes, Tests & Treatments SimplifiedIn this high-impact episode, we break down comprehensive MSRA revision notes on deafness – covering everything from dB levels to cochlear implants. If you're preparing for the MSRA or want a crystal-clear summary of hearing loss, this focused review is for you.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition & Classification• Deafness = partial or complete hearing loss in one or both ears• May be congenital (from birth) or acquired later in life• Severity graded by dB Hearing Level (dBHL):Mild: 25–39 dBHLModerate: 40–69 dBHLSevere: 70–94 dBHLProfound: >95 dBHL📌 Types of Hearing LossConductive – sound blocked (e.g. glue ear, wax)➤ Volume ↓, clarity preservedSensorineural – damage to inner ear or nerve➤ Volume ↓ and distortionMixed – combination of both types📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Adults: Presbycusis (age), loud noise exposure, ototoxic drugs, trauma, otosclerosis, Meniere’s• Children:Genetic: 40%Intrauterine: 8% (e.g. rubella, CMV)Perinatal: 12%Postnatal: 30%Unknown: ~30%• Risk factors: Family history, meningitis, autoimmune disease, diabetes, smoking, infections📌 Pathophysiology• Conductive: Outer/middle ear blockage• Sensorineural: Hair cell or nerve damage• Central: Brain processing disorders (e.g. auditory processing disorder)📌 Differential Diagnosis• Conductive: Wax, otitis media, foreign body, perforation• Sensorineural: Post-meningitis, trauma, ototoxicity• Mixed: Combine both• Red flags: Central auditory processing issues, congenital syndromes📌 Epidemiology (UK)• 11 million people affected• 1–2/1000 newborns have congenital deafness• Nearly 1 in 5 children experience hearing loss by age 18📌 Clinical Presentation• Adults: Difficulty hearing speech in noise, TV volume up, tinnitus, isolation• Children: Delayed speech/language, inattentiveness, behavioural problems• Congenital syndromes may have facial/physical markers📌 Investigations• Audiometry – Pure tone + speech• Tympanometry – Middle ear function• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) – Hair cell function• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) – Brainstem response• Imaging – MRI or CT for structural anomalies• Genetic testing – If syndromic deafness suspected📌 Management🔹 Conductive hearing lossWax removalGrommets, adenoidectomy (e.g. glue ear)Surgery (e.g. cholesteatoma)Autoinflation🔹 Sensorineural hearing lossHearing aids (digital > analogue)Cochlear implants (profound loss)Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA)🔹 Other supportsSpeech therapyBritish Sign Language (BSL)Assistive devices (hearing loops, visual alarms, adapted phones)Educational support & radio aidsCounselling for social/emotional impact📌 Prognosis & Complications• Conductive loss: Often treatable• Sensorineural loss: Usually permanent, but manageable• Glue ear: Resolves in 3 months in many, but may persist• Early cochlear implantation (<12 months) → improved speech outcomes• Unmanaged hearing loss → risk of:Social isolation, anxiety, depressionDevelopmental delay in childrenFalls (in elderly), reduced quality of life• Meningitis risk ↑ with cochlear implants → ensure pneumococcal vaccination🔗 Deafness MSRA Revision Resources📄 Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deafness-revision-notes/💬 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deafness-flashcards/🧠 Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deafness-accordion-qa-notes/📝 Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/deafness-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full ENT Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/ent-for-the-msra/🏷️ Hashtags#MSRA #MSRAQuiz #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandA #MSRARevisionNotes #ENT #Deafness #GlueEar #CochlearImplants #BAHA #HearingLoss #MSRAENT #PassTheMSRA #FreeMSRA