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Arab Board ENT Part 1 study materials
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Arab Board ENT Part 1 practice questions

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Question 1Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The laryngeal mucosa above the vocal folds derives its sensory innervation from which nerve?

  1. External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
  2. Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve Correct answer.
  3. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
  4. Glossopharyngeal nerve

Explanation

Sensory supply to the larynx is divided at the level of the vocal folds: the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve supplies the supraglottic mucosa, while the recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies the infraglottic mucosa. The external branch is motor to cricothyroid and carries no significant mucosal sensation.

Question 2Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The endolymphatic sac, which resorbs endolymph, lies within which structure?

  1. The semicircular canal ampulla
  2. The cochlear aqueduct
  3. The vestibular aqueduct Correct answer.
  4. The internal auditory canal

Explanation

The endolymphatic duct runs through the bony vestibular aqueduct and ends in the endolymphatic sac on the posterior surface of the petrous temporal bone. The cochlear aqueduct, in contrast, transmits perilymph and connects the scala tympani to the subarachnoid space.

Question 3Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Which pharyngeal arch cartilage gives rise to the stapes, styloid process and lesser horn of the hyoid?

  1. Fourth arch cartilage
  2. Second arch (Reichert cartilage) Correct answer.
  3. First arch (Meckel cartilage)
  4. Third arch cartilage

Explanation

Reichert cartilage of the second pharyngeal arch forms the stapes, styloid process, stylohyoid ligament and lesser horn of the hyoid. First-arch cartilage forms the malleus, incus and mandible.

Question 4Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The nasolacrimal duct drains into which part of the nasal cavity?

  1. The inferior meatus Correct answer.
  2. The middle meatus
  3. The superior meatus
  4. The sphenoethmoidal recess

Explanation

The nasolacrimal duct opens into the inferior meatus beneath the inferior turbinate, which is why epiphora can accompany inferior meatal obstruction. The middle meatus receives the frontal, maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses, and the superior meatus receives posterior ethmoid air cells.

Question 5Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Which structure passes through the foramen ovale?

  1. The mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve Correct answer.
  2. The maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve
  3. The optic nerve
  4. The middle meningeal artery

Explanation

The foramen ovale transmits the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve along with the lesser petrosal nerve and accessory meningeal artery. The maxillary division passes through the foramen rotundum.

Question 6Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The vocal ligament is the thickened upper border of which structure?

  1. The conus elasticus Correct answer.
  2. The quadrangular membrane
  3. The thyrohyoid membrane
  4. The cricothyroid membrane

Explanation

The conus elasticus (cricovocal membrane) stretches from the cricoid arch to the vocal process, and its free upper edge forms the vocal ligament. The quadrangular membrane forms the aryepiglottic fold and vestibular ligament above the glottis.

Question 7Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Which cranial nerve provides secretomotor parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland?

  1. The vagus nerve via the auricular branch
  2. The trigeminal nerve via the lingual branch
  3. The glossopharyngeal nerve via the lesser petrosal nerve Correct answer.
  4. The facial nerve via the chorda tympani

Explanation

Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers travel with the glossopharyngeal nerve, pass via the lesser petrosal nerve to the otic ganglion, and relay to the parotid through the auriculotemporal nerve. The facial nerve supplies the submandibular and sublingual glands via the chorda tympani.

Question 8Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The organ of Corti rests on which structure within the cochlear duct?

  1. The basilar membrane Correct answer.
  2. Reissner membrane
  3. The tectorial membrane
  4. The stria vascularis

Explanation

The organ of Corti sits on the basilar membrane, with hair cell stereocilia contacting the overlying tectorial membrane. Movement of the basilar membrane relative to the tectorial membrane shears the stereocilia and generates the receptor potential.

Question 9Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Air entering the nose during inspiration is warmed and humidified mainly by which mechanism?

  1. Diffusion across the cribriform plate
  2. Active secretion by the paranasal sinuses
  3. Turbulent flow over the nasal turbinates and mucosa Correct answer.
  4. Laminar flow through the nasopharynx

Explanation

The nasal airway conditions inspired air through turbulent flow over the large mucosal surface of the turbinates, allowing heat and moisture exchange. This conditioning is greatest in the anterior nasal valve region and decreases with flow rate.

Question 10Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Which muscle elevates the soft palate during swallowing to prevent nasopharyngeal reflux?

  1. Palatoglossus
  2. Superior constrictor
  3. Levator veli palatini Correct answer.
  4. Tensor veli palatini

Explanation

Levator veli palatini elevates the soft palate, sealing the nasopharynx during the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. Tensor veli palatini tenses the palate and opens the Eustachian tube but does not elevate it.

Question 11Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The cribriform plate of the ethmoid transmits which fibers?

  1. Optic nerve fibers
  2. Olfactory receptor cell axons Correct answer.
  3. Sympathetic fibers to the nasal mucosa
  4. Maxillary nerve branches

Explanation

Unmyelinated axons of olfactory receptor neurons pass through the cribriform plate to synapse in the olfactory bulb. This direct route to the CNS explains why cribriform plate fracture can cause anosmia and CSF rhinorrhea.

Question 12Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Which of the following best describes the composition of the endolymph?

  1. High calcium and low chloride
  2. High potassium and low sodium Correct answer.
  3. Equal sodium and potassium
  4. High sodium and low potassium

Explanation

Endolymph resembles intracellular fluid with high potassium and low sodium, generating the positive endocochlear potential that drives hair cell transduction. Perilymph, by contrast, resembles extracellular fluid with high sodium.

Question 13Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The facial nerve gives off its branch to the stapedius muscle at which level?

  1. At the geniculate ganglion
  2. In the mastoid segment Correct answer.
  3. At the stylomastoid foramen
  4. Within the internal auditory canal

Explanation

The stapedius branch arises from the mastoid (vertical) segment of the facial nerve just after the second genu. Its loss produces hyperacusis, useful in localizing the level of a facial palsy.

Question 14Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Which structure forms the anterior boundary of the epitympanum (attic)?

  1. The tegmen tympani
  2. The cochleariform process Correct answer.
  3. The scutum
  4. The promontory

Explanation

The cochleariform process marks the anterior limit of the epitympanum and is the site where the tensor tympani tendon turns laterally. The scutum is the lateral bony spur, and the tegmen tympani is the roof.

Question 15Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The middle ear transformer mechanism amplifies sound pressure primarily because of which relationship?

  1. The tympanic membrane area is larger than the stapes footplate area Correct answer.
  2. The Eustachian tube equalizes pressure
  3. The ossicles reduce the lever ratio
  4. The stapes footplate is larger than the tympanic membrane

Explanation

The effective areal ratio of the tympanic membrane to the stapes footplate (roughly 17:1) increases pressure at the oval window, partly offsetting the impedance mismatch with cochlear fluid. The ossicular lever contributes a smaller additional gain.

Question 16Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Which artery is most commonly injured in a posterior epistaxis from the sphenopalatine region?

  1. The anterior ethmoidal artery
  2. The sphenopalatine artery Correct answer.
  3. The facial artery
  4. The ophthalmic artery

Explanation

Posterior epistaxis typically arises from branches of the sphenopalatine artery at the posterior septum and lateral nasal wall (Woodruff plexus). The anterior ethmoidal artery supplies the anterior roof and is more relevant to anterior epistaxis.

Question 17Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Which paranasal sinus is the last to complete pneumatization during development?

  1. The maxillary sinus
  2. The frontal sinus Correct answer.
  3. The sphenoid sinus
  4. The ethmoid sinus

Explanation

The frontal sinus develops last, beginning around age 2 and continuing to expand into early adulthood. Maxillary sinuses are present at birth, and ethmoid air cells begin developing in fetal life.

Question 18Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The greater palatine foramen is located in which bone?

  1. The maxilla
  2. The palatine bone Correct answer.
  3. The sphenoid bone
  4. The vomer

Explanation

The greater palatine foramen lies in the palatine bone at the junction of its horizontal and perpendicular plates, transmitting the greater palatine nerve and vessels. The maxilla forms the anterior hard palate and the incisive canal.

Question 19Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

A lesion of the chorda tympani produces loss of taste over which part of the tongue?

  1. The circumvallate papillae
  2. The entire tongue
  3. The posterior one-third
  4. The anterior two-thirds Correct answer.

Explanation

The chorda tympani carries taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue via the lingual nerve to the facial nerve. The posterior one-third taste is carried by the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Question 20Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Which muscle is the primary abductor of the vocal folds?

  1. The lateral cricoarytenoid
  2. The cricothyroid
  3. The thyroarytenoid
  4. The posterior cricoarytenoid Correct answer.

Explanation

The posterior cricoarytenoid rotates the arytenoid cartilages laterally, opening the glottis and making it the sole abductor of the vocal folds. The lateral cricoarytenoid and thyroarytenoid are adductors, and cricothyroid increases pitch.

Question 21Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The horizontal (lateral) semicircular canal lies closest to which plane of the head?

  1. The sagittal plane
  2. The coronal plane
  3. The horizontal plane Correct answer.
  4. The oblique plane of the orbit

Explanation

The lateral semicircular canal is oriented approximately 30 degrees above horizontal and is considered the horizontal canal, responding to rotational acceleration in the yaw plane. The anterior and posterior canals are vertical and roughly orthogonal to each other.

Question 22Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Which embryologic structure gives rise to the tympanic cavity and Eustachian tube?

  1. The third pharyngeal pouch
  2. The second pharyngeal pouch
  3. The first branchial cleft
  4. The first pharyngeal pouch Correct answer.

Explanation

The first pharyngeal pouch expands to form the tympanic cavity and Eustachian tube, while the first branchial cleft forms the external auditory canal. The second pouch gives rise to the palatine tonsil.

Question 23Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

In a patient with a unilateral lesion of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which position of the vocal fold is most typical?

  1. Fixed in the midline
  2. Normal position with normal mobility
  3. Fixed in a paramedian position Correct answer.
  4. Fixed in full abduction

Explanation

Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy typically leaves the vocal fold in a paramedian position because the cricothyroid retains some tension while abductors are lost. Complete immobilization in the midline is more typical of combined recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve injury.

Question 24Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The threshold for acoustic trauma to hair cells is most closely related to which parameter?

  1. Frequency alone
  2. Atmospheric pressure
  3. Sound intensity and duration of exposure Correct answer.
  4. Phase of the sound wave

Explanation

Noise-induced hearing loss depends on both the intensity of the sound and the duration of exposure, with damage to outer hair cells occurring first. Frequency influences susceptibility but is not the primary determinant.

Question 25Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

Which of the following best explains why otosclerosis causes a conductive hearing loss?

  1. Atrophy of the tectorial membrane
  2. Increased stiffness of the ossicular chain at the oval window Correct answer.
  3. Loss of perilymph volume
  4. Degeneration of the spiral ganglion

Explanation

Otosclerosis involves abnormal bone remodeling with fixation of the stapes footplate, increasing the stiffness of the ossicular chain and impairing sound transmission. The cochlear reserve remains intact in early disease, giving a conductive pattern.

Question 26Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The cell bodies of the primary sensory neurons that supply the larynx are located in which ganglion?

  1. Otic ganglion
  2. Nodose ganglion Correct answer.
  3. Pterygopalatine ganglion
  4. Geniculate ganglion

Explanation

General visceral afferents from the larynx travel in the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerve, both branches of the vagus. Their cell bodies are in the nodose (inferior) ganglion of the vagus nerve.

Question 27Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The cell bodies of the primary sensory neurons that transmit general sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue are located in which ganglion?

  1. Nodose ganglion
  2. Geniculate ganglion
  3. Trigeminal (semilunar) ganglion Correct answer.
  4. Inferior (petrous) ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve

Explanation

General sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is carried by the lingual nerve, a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. The cell bodies of these primary sensory neurons are in the trigeminal (semilunar) ganglion.

Question 28Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The cell bodies of the primary sensory neurons that transmit taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue are located in which ganglion?

  1. Trigeminal (semilunar) ganglion
  2. Nodose ganglion
  3. Geniculate ganglion
  4. Inferior (petrous) ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve Correct answer.

Explanation

Taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue is carried by the glossopharyngeal nerve. The cell bodies of these primary sensory neurons are located in the inferior (petrous) ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Question 29Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The bony labyrinth of the inner ear is derived from which embryologic structure?

  1. Otic placode Correct answer.
  2. Second pharyngeal arch
  3. Neural crest
  4. First pharyngeal pouch

Explanation

The otic placode invaginates to form the otic vesicle, which gives rise to the membranous labyrinth. The surrounding mesenchyme then ossifies to form the bony labyrinth around it.

Question 30Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The incus is derived from which pharyngeal arch?

  1. Third pharyngeal arch
  2. Fourth pharyngeal arch
  3. Second pharyngeal arch
  4. First pharyngeal arch Correct answer.

Explanation

The first pharyngeal arch (mandibular arch) gives rise to the malleus and incus. The second arch gives rise to the stapes and the styloid process.

Question 31Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

In the auditory pathway, fibers from the cochlear nuclei project to which structure in the brainstem?

  1. Superior olivary complex Correct answer.
  2. Medial geniculate body
  3. Inferior colliculus
  4. Auditory cortex

Explanation

Second-order neurons from the cochlear nuclei project to the superior olivary complex in the pons. This is the first level of the auditory pathway where binaural convergence occurs.

Question 32Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

A lesion of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve is most likely to cause which finding on laryngoscopy?

  1. Left vocal fold fixed in a paramedian position
  2. Right vocal fold fixed in a fully abducted position
  3. Bilateral vocal folds fixed in a median position
  4. Right vocal fold fixed in a paramedian position Correct answer.

Explanation

The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies all intrinsic laryngeal muscles except the cricothyroid. A unilateral lesion typically leaves the vocal fold in a paramedian position due to unopposed action of the cricothyroid and the remaining muscles.

Question 33Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The stapedius muscle is derived from which pharyngeal arch?

  1. Third pharyngeal arch
  2. First pharyngeal arch
  3. Fourth pharyngeal arch
  4. Second pharyngeal arch Correct answer.

Explanation

The stapedius muscle is a derivative of the second pharyngeal arch and is innervated by the facial nerve. The first arch gives rise to the muscles of mastication, among others.

Question 34Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The endolymphatic sac is located in which part of the temporal bone?

  1. Mastoid antrum
  2. Anterior surface of the petrous part
  3. Internal acoustic meatus
  4. Posterior surface of the petrous part Correct answer.

Explanation

The endolymphatic sac lies in a depression on the posterior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone, where it drains endolymph. It is connected to the membranous labyrinth by the endolymphatic duct.

Question 35Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The olfactory epithelium is located in which region of the nasal cavity?

  1. Floor of the nasal cavity
  2. Middle meatus
  3. Roof and upper part of the nasal septum and superior concha Correct answer.
  4. Inferior meatus

Explanation

The olfactory epithelium covers the superior nasal concha, the roof of the nasal cavity, and the upper part of the nasal septum. It contains bipolar olfactory receptor neurons.

Question 36Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The vocal folds are attached anteriorly to which structure?

  1. Cricoid cartilage
  2. Arytenoid cartilage
  3. Thyroid cartilage Correct answer.
  4. Epiglottis

Explanation

The vocal folds attach anteriorly to the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage at the anterior commissure. Posteriorly, they attach to the vocal processes of the arytenoid cartilages.

Question 37Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The cricothyroid muscle receives motor innervation from which nerve?

  1. External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve Correct answer.
  2. Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
  3. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
  4. Glossopharyngeal nerve

Explanation

The cricothyroid muscle is innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. It is the only intrinsic laryngeal muscle not supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Question 38Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

A patient presents with a conductive hearing loss and a normal tympanic membrane. Impedance audiometry shows absent acoustic reflexes. Radiography reveals a mass in the middle ear. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

  1. Cholesteatoma
  2. Otosclerosis
  3. Glomus tympanicum tumor Correct answer.
  4. Presbycusis

Explanation

A glomus tympanicum tumor is a vascular paraganglioma of the middle ear that can cause conductive hearing loss and absent acoustic reflexes. Otosclerosis also causes conductive hearing loss but typically presents with a normal tympanic membrane and absent reflexes without a mass.

Question 39Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The tympanic membrane is derived from which embryologic structure?

  1. First pharyngeal pouch
  2. First pharyngeal cleft Correct answer.
  3. First pharyngeal arch
  4. Second pharyngeal pouch

Explanation

The tympanic membrane develops from the first pharyngeal cleft (ectoderm), the first pharyngeal pouch (endoderm), and the intervening mesoderm. The cleft forms the outer epithelial layer of the membrane.

Question 40Basic Sciences Applied to Otolaryngology (Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Embryology)

The vocal folds are attached posteriorly to which structure?

  1. Cricoid cartilage
  2. Thyroid cartilage
  3. Vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage Correct answer.
  4. Muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage

Explanation

The vocal folds attach posteriorly to the vocal processes of the arytenoid cartilages. The muscular processes serve as attachment for the intrinsic laryngeal muscles that move the vocal folds.

Question 41Otology and Neurotology

Which nerve carries the efferent fibers of the acoustic (stapedial) reflex arc to the stapedius muscle?

  1. Facial nerve Correct answer.
  2. Trigeminal nerve
  3. Vagus nerve
  4. Glossopharyngeal nerve

Explanation

The stapedius muscle is innervated by the facial nerve, and the reflex arc runs from the cochlea via the auditory nerve to the brainstem and back through the facial nerve. This is why facial nerve lesions can abolish the reflex.

Question 42Otology and Neurotology

At what age does the human mastoid antrum become fully pneumatized?

  1. By 2 years
  2. By puberty Correct answer.
  3. At birth
  4. By 25 years

Explanation

The mastoid antrum is present at birth but pneumatization continues until puberty, which is why mastoiditis is a disease of young children.

Question 43Otology and Neurotology

The endolymphatic sac drains endolymph into which structure?

  1. The sigmoid sinus
  2. The jugular bulb
  3. The subarachnoid space Correct answer.
  4. The epidural space

Explanation

The endolymphatic sac lies in the posterior fossa dura and drains endolymph into the subarachnoid space. This pathway is important in the pathophysiology of endolymphatic hydrops.

Question 44Otology and Neurotology

A 45-year-old presents with sudden unilateral hearing loss and vertigo. MRI shows a small enhancing lesion in the internal auditory canal. Which tumour is most likely?

  1. Glomus tympanicum
  2. Cholesteatoma
  3. Vestibular schwannoma Correct answer.
  4. Meningioma

Explanation

Vestibular schwannoma is the most common tumour of the internal auditory canal and typically presents with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and disequilibrium. Enhancement on MRI with gadolinium is characteristic.

Question 45Otology and Neurotology

Which of the following best describes the Rinne test result in a normal ear?

  1. Bone conduction is greater than air conduction
  2. Bone conduction is absent
  3. Air conduction is greater than bone conduction Correct answer.
  4. Air and bone conduction are equal

Explanation

In normal hearing, air conduction exceeds bone conduction because the middle ear amplifier enhances airborne sound. A negative Rinne (bone greater than air) indicates a conductive loss.

Question 46Otology and Neurotology

A patient has a positive fistula test with pressure-induced vertigo. Which condition is most likely?

  1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
  2. Vestibular neuritis
  3. Perilymph fistula Correct answer.
  4. Meniere disease

Explanation

A positive fistula test reflects abnormal communication between the middle and inner ear, allowing pressure changes to stimulate the labyrinth. This is characteristic of a perilymph fistula or a mobile third window.

Question 47Otology and Neurotology

Which structure is most at risk during a posterior tympanotomy approach to the middle ear?

  1. Hypoglossal nerve
  2. Facial nerve Correct answer.
  3. Glossopharyngeal nerve
  4. Optic nerve

Explanation

The facial nerve descends in the posterior wall of the middle ear and is at risk during a posterior tympanotomy. Identification of the nerve is essential to avoid injury.

Question 48Otology and Neurotology

In Meniere disease, the classic pathological finding is:

  1. Endolymphatic hydrops Correct answer.
  2. Saccular degeneration
  3. Perilymphatic fibrosis
  4. Cochlear ossification

Explanation

Meniere disease is characterised by distension of the endolymphatic spaces (endolymphatic hydrops). This underlies the episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness.

Question 49Otology and Neurotology

A 30-year-old has sudden unilateral sensorineural hearing loss of 60 dB. What is the most appropriate initial management?

  1. Hearing aid fitting
  2. Observation for 3 months
  3. Oral corticosteroids Correct answer.
  4. Vestibular rehabilitation

Explanation

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is treated as an emergency with high-dose corticosteroids, which improve the chance of recovery. Delay in treatment reduces the likelihood of hearing recovery.

Question 50Otology and Neurotology

Which of the following is the most common cause of conductive hearing loss in a child with a normal tympanic membrane?

  1. Otitis media with effusion Correct answer.
  2. Otosclerosis
  3. Cholesteatoma
  4. Tympanic membrane perforation

Explanation

Otitis media with effusion is the most common cause of conductive loss in children and may present with an intact but dull tympanic membrane. Otosclerosis is rare in children.