NEET-PG 2013 - ENT Practice Questions

Q: In otosclerosis, which structure is primarily affected?

Foot plate of stapes. ***Foot plate of stapes*** - Otosclerosis is a disease of the **temporal bone** that causes abnormal bone growth, primarily affecting the footplate of the stapes. - This abnormal bone growth leads to the **fixation of the stapes** in the oval window, impairing sound conduction and causing **conductive hearing loss**. *Oval window* - While the oval window is the location where the stapes articulates, otosclerosis specifically affects the **footplate of the stapes**, causing it to become fixed within the oval window. - The oval window itself is a structure of the inner ear, but the primary pathology involves the **stapes bone**. *Round window* - The round window plays a role in relieving pressure in the **cochlea** by bulging outwards when the oval window bulges inwards. - It is **not directly affected** by the abnormal bone growth characteristic of otosclerosis. *Utricle* - The utricle is a part of the **vestibular system** in the inner ear, responsible for sensing linear acceleration and head tilt. - It is **not involved** in the pathogenesis of otosclerosis, which is primarily a conductive hearing loss disorder.

Q: In otosclerosis, the tympanogram is:

Low compliance. ***Low compliance*** - In **otosclerosis**, the **stapes footplate** becomes fixed in the **oval window**, hindering sound transmission. - This fixation leads to reduced movement of the **tympanic membrane** and ossicular chain, resulting in a **low-compliance tympanogram** (Type As). *High compliance* - **High compliance** (Type Ad tympanogram) indicates a very mobile or **flaccid tympanic membrane**, often seen in conditions like **ossicular discontinuity**. - This is opposite to the stiffening effect seen in otosclerosis. *Normal compliance* - A **normal tympanogram** (Type A) signifies healthy middle ear function with appropriate pressure and mobility. - This would not be observed in otosclerosis, where there is a clear pathology affecting the **ossicular chain** and sound conduction. *None of the options* - This is incorrect because **otosclerosis** presents with a characteristic **low-compliance tympanogram**. - The disease specifically impairs the **mobility of the middle ear system**, which directly impacts tympanometric findings.

Q: Site of glomus jugulare tumor?

Hypotympanum. ***Hypotympanum*** - **Glomus jugulare tumor** is a paraganglioma arising from the **paraganglia** (chemoreceptor cells) located in the **adventitia of the jugular bulb** in the **jugular foramen**. - This anatomical location places the tumor in the **hypotympanum** (inferior compartment of the middle ear cavity), which lies directly above the jugular bulb [1]. - These tumors typically present with **pulsatile tinnitus**, **hearing loss**, and a **reddish-blue mass** behind the tympanic membrane (rising sun sign). - The hypotympanum extends from the floor of the middle ear to the level of the inferior margin of the tympanic membrane [1]. *Epitympanum* - The **epitympanum** (attic) is the **superior compartment** of the middle ear, located above the tympanic membrane [1]. - It contains the head of the **malleus** and body of the **incus** [1]. - **Glomus tympanicum tumors** (arising from paraganglia along the tympanic plexus on the promontory) may present here, but glomus jugulare tumors originate inferiorly in the hypotympanum. *Mesotympanum* - The **mesotympanum** is the **middle compartment** of the middle ear, at the level of the tympanic membrane. - It contains the **manubrium of malleus** and **long process of incus**. - While glomus jugulare tumors may extend into this region as they grow, their primary site of origin is the hypotympanum. *Internal ear* - The **internal ear** (inner ear) is located medial to the middle ear and contains the **cochlea**, **vestibule**, and **semicircular canals** [1]. - Advanced glomus jugulare tumors may erode into the inner ear causing **sensorineural hearing loss** and **vertigo**, but this is not their site of origin.

Q: Which of the following conditions is associated with objective tinnitus?

Glomus tumor. ***Glomus tumor*** - A glomus tumor is a **vascular tumor** that can cause turbulent blood flow, leading to a pulsatile, objective tinnitus that can be heard by an examiner. - The sound is often described as a **thumping or whooshing** sound synchronous with the patient's heartbeat. *Ménière's disease* - **Ménière's disease** is associated with subjective tinnitus, a ringing or roaring sensation perceptible only to the patient. - It is characterized by the triad of **vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus**. *Acoustic neuroma* - An acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) typically causes **unilateral, subjective tinnitus**, often described as a high-pitched ringing. - It is a benign tumor on the **vestibulocochlear nerve** and is also associated with sensorineural hearing loss and balance issues. *Ear wax* - **Impacted ear wax** can cause subjective tinnitus due to its interference with sound conduction and resonance within the ear canal. - The tinnitus is not typically audible to an examiner, making it a **subjective finding**.

Q: Electrode of cochlear implant is placed in:

Scala tympani. ***Scala tympani*** - The electrode array of a **cochlear implant** is carefully inserted into the **scala tympani** of the cochlea. - This placement allows the electrodes to directly stimulate the **spiral ganglion neurons**, bypassing damaged hair cells and transmitting electrical signals to the auditory nerve. *Horizontal semicircular canal* - The **horizontal semicircular canal** is part of the **vestibular system**, responsible for sensing angular head movements, not hearing. - Placing an electrode here would cause **vestibular dysfunction** and would not restore hearing. *Scala media* - The **scala media** (cochlear duct) contains the **organ of Corti** and **endolymph**, which has a high potassium concentration. - Inserting an electrode here would damage the delicate structures essential for natural sound transduction and could lead to electric potential imbalances. *Scala vestibuli* - The **scala vestibuli** is filled with **perilymph** and receives sound vibrations from the stapes. - While it's adjacent to the scala tympani, the **scala tympani** offers a safer and more direct path for optimal electrode insertion with less trauma to the sensory structures.

Q: What is a specific indication for the use of a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)?

Congenital canal atresia. ***Congenital canal atresia*** - **Congenital canal atresia** represents a classic, specific indication for BAHA because the ear canal is congenitally absent or severely stenosed, making conventional hearing aids impossible to fit or ineffective. - BAHA bypasses the absent ear canal entirely by transmitting sound vibrations directly to the **cochlea through bone conduction**, providing an ideal solution for this anatomical abnormality. *Bilateral conductive hearing loss* - While BAHA can be used for conductive hearing loss, **conventional hearing aids** are typically the first-line treatment when ear canals are intact and functional. - Bilateral cases often benefit from traditional amplification devices or **surgical correction** of the underlying conductive pathology before considering BAHA. *Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss* - BAHA is commonly used for **single-sided deafness (SSD)** to route sound from the deaf ear to the hearing ear via bone conduction using the **CROS principle**. - However, this indication is less specific than congenital canal atresia, as other treatment options like **conventional CROS hearing aids** may also be considered. *Conductive hearing loss due to other causes* - This option is too **broad and non-specific** as it encompasses many different etiologies of conductive hearing loss. - Many other causes of conductive hearing loss have **alternative treatments** such as surgical repair, conventional hearing aids, or medical management, making BAHA a secondary consideration.

Q: Hyponasal voice is seen in all except?

Cleft lip. ***Cleft lip*** - A **cleft lip** primarily affects the appearance of the lip and a portion of the nose but doesn't typically obstruct the nasal passages to cause a hyponasal voice. - The voice quality in individuals with a cleft lip, without an associated cleft palate, is usually normal. *Adenoids* - **Enlarged adenoids** can obstruct the nasopharyngeal airway, leading to reduced nasal resonance and a **hyponasal (rhinolalia clausa)** voice. - This obstruction prevents air from exiting through the nose during speech, making sounds like 'm' and 'n' sound like 'b' and 'd'. *Nasal polyp* - **Nasal polyps** can physically block the nasal passages, impairing airflow through the nose during speech. - This blockage leads to a reduction in nasal resonance, resulting in a **hyponasal voice**. *Deviated nasal septum* - A **deviated nasal septum** can significantly narrow one or both nasal passages, restricting airflow. - This structural obstruction can cause a **hyponasal voice** due to reduced nasal resonance.

Q: What is not true about the use of intranasal steroids in nasal polyposis?

Effective in all types of nasal polyps. ***Effective in all types of nasal polyps*** - Intranasal steroids are primarily effective in nasal polyps with an **eosinophilic inflammatory component**, which is the most common type. - They are **not effective in all types** - efficacy is significantly reduced in polyps with **neutrophilic inflammation** or those related to conditions like **cystic fibrosis**, reflecting different underlying pathologies. - This statement is **FALSE**, making it the correct answer to this negation question. *May cause nasal irritation* - **Nasal irritation**, including **burning, stinging**, or **dryness**, is a common local side effect associated with the use of intranasal steroids. - Other local side effects can include **epistaxis** (nosebleeds) and mucosal atrophy, though less common. - This statement is **TRUE**. *Reduce recurrence* - **Intranasal steroids** are crucial in **reducing the recurrence** of nasal polyps after surgical removal. - Their anti-inflammatory action helps to **control the underlying inflammation** that contributes to polyp formation. - This statement is **TRUE**. *Most effective in eosinophilically predominant polyps* - Intranasal steroids primarily target the **eosinophilic inflammatory pathway**, which is characteristic of the majority of **chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)**. - While they have **maximal efficacy** in eosinophilic polyps, they may have limited benefit in mixed inflammatory patterns. - Their efficacy is significantly reduced in polyps that are predominantly **neutrophilic** or associated with systemic conditions like **cystic fibrosis**, as these involve different inflammatory mechanisms. - This statement is **TRUE**.

Q: Which of the following statements about Rhinoscleroma is false?

More common in tropical regions. ***More common in tropical regions*** - While rhinoscleroma is endemic in certain regions, it is more commonly found in **temperate and subtropical climates**, particularly in Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and parts of Africa and Asia, rather than exclusively tropical areas. - The prevalence is linked to socioeconomic factors and poor hygiene rather than strictly temperature-based climate zones. *Mikulicz cells* - The presence of **Mikulicz cells** is a characteristic histopathological feature of rhinoscleroma. - These are large macrophages with a clear, foamy cytoplasm containing numerous bacilli, which are pathognomonic for the disease. *Woody nose* - **Woody nose** (or "saddle nose" deformity in late stages) is a clinical feature associated with the advanced stages of rhinoscleroma. - The disease causes chronic inflammation and granuloma formation, leading to firm, indurated infiltrates that can result in this characteristic nasal deformity. *Caused by bacteria* - Rhinoscleroma is indeed caused by the bacterium **_Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis_**, a gram-negative rod. - It is an infectious disease primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract.

Question 1

In otosclerosis, which structure is primarily affected?

Accepted Answer

Foot plate of stapes

Answer

Round window

Answer

Utricle

Answer

Oval window

Question 2

In otosclerosis, the tympanogram is:

Accepted Answer

Low compliance

Answer

High compliance

Answer

Normal compliance

Answer

None of the options

Question 3

Endolymphatic sac decompression is done in?

Accepted Answer

Definitive treatment for intractable vertigo in Meniere's disease

Answer

Management of endolymphatic hydrops in early-stage Meniere's disease

Answer

Prophylactic treatment in recurrent vertigo syndromes

Answer

Primary surgical approach for cochlear disorders

Question 4

Site of glomus jugulare tumor?

Accepted Answer

Hypotympanum

Answer

Epitympanum

Answer

Mesotympanum

Answer

Internal ear

Question 5

Which of the following conditions is associated with objective tinnitus?

Accepted Answer

Glomus tumor

Answer

Acoustic neuroma

Answer

Ear wax

Answer

Ménière's disease

Question 6

Electrode of cochlear implant is placed in:

Accepted Answer

Scala tympani

Answer

Horizontal semicircular canal

Answer

Scala media

Answer

Scala vestibuli

Question 7

What is a specific indication for the use of a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)?

Accepted Answer

Congenital canal atresia

Answer

Bilateral conductive hearing loss

Answer

Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Answer

Conductive hearing loss due to other causes

Question 8

Hyponasal voice is seen in all except?

Accepted Answer

Cleft lip

Answer

Adenoids

Answer

Nasal polyp

Answer

Deviated nasal septum

Question 9

What is not true about the use of intranasal steroids in nasal polyposis?

Accepted Answer

Effective in all types of nasal polyps

Answer

May cause nasal irritation

Answer

Reduce recurrence

Answer

Most effective in eosinophilically predominant polyps

Question 10

Which of the following statements about Rhinoscleroma is false?

Accepted Answer

More common in tropical regions

Answer

Woody nose

Answer

Mikulicz cells

Answer

Caused by bacteria

NEET-PG 2013 — ENT