(3)
Give systemic antibiotics only if infection occurs.
(4)
Analgesics may be given orally but are usually not necessary.
(5) Evacuate the patient. Evacuation is not urgent unless the tympanic
membrane is flapping.
d. Complications. Included are:
(1)
Failure to heal spontaneously.
(2)
Ear infection.
(3)
Impairment of hearing.
4-12. CONDUCTIVE DEAFNESS
a. Description. Hearing loss is caused by a problem in the transmission of
sound waves--a mechanical or nervous problem in transmission. One of the major
forms of loss of hearing is conductive hearing loss which is the interrupted passage of
sound from the external ear to the site where the stapes and the oval window meet.
Conductive deafness is due to a defect of the sound conducting apparatus.
Figure 4-8. Ear structure.
MD0582
4-16