EARS

Which part of the ear collects sound waves? 

 

• Cochlea 

• Tympanic membrane

• Pinna (auricle) 

• Eustachian tube 

Answer explanation

Answer: C. Pinna (auricle) 

Rationale: The pinna is the visible outer ear that collects and directs sound waves inward. The cochlea detects sound, the tympanic membrane vibrates, and the Eustachian tube equalizes pressure. 

How should the nurse position the ear for administering drops to an adult? 

 

• Down and back 

• Straight up 

• Up and back 

• Straight back 

Answer explanation

Answer: C. Up and back 

Rationale: In adults, the pinna is pulled up and back to straighten the ear canal. For children under 3, it’s down and back. 

Which bones make up the auditory ossicles? 

 

• Malleus, incus, stapes 

• Cochlea, semicircular canal, vestibule 

• Tympanum, mastoid, auricle

• Hammer, cochlea, stirrup 

Answer explanation

Answer: A. Malleus, incus, stapes 

Rationale: These tiny bones in the middle ear transmit vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. 

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to which structure? 

 

• Nasal cavity 

• Pharynx (throat) 

• Larynx 

• Maxillary sinus 

Answer explanation

Answer: B. Pharynx (throat) 

Rationale: It equalizes air pressure between the middle ear and atmosphere, explaining why sore throats can cause ear pain. 

Which part of the ear is responsible for balance and equilibrium? 

 

• Tympanic membrane 

• Semicircular canals and vestibule 

• Eustachian tube 

• Cochlea 

Answer explanation

Answer: B. Semicircular canals and vestibule 

Rationale: The semicircular canals and vestibule detect motion and maintain balance. The cochlea handles hearing. 

Cranial nerve VIII is known as: 

 

• Optic nerve

• Vestibulocochlear nerve 

• Trochlear nerve

• Facial nerve 

Answer explanation

Answer: B. Vestibulocochlear nerve 

Rationale: CN VIII transmits hearing and balance information to the brain.

Sensorineural hearing loss results from: 

 

• Fluid buildup in the middle ear 

• Eardrum perforation 

• Earwax impaction 

• Damage to the inner ear or CN VIII 

Answer explanation

Answer: D. Damage to the inner ear or CN VIII 

Rationale: Sensorineural loss involves nerve damage, often permanent, while conductive loss affects sound transmission. 

Which of the following causes sensorineural hearing loss? 

 

• Otosclerosis 

• Ototoxic medications 

• Cerumen impaction

Answer explanation

Answer: B. Ototoxic medications 

Rationale: Certain drugs (loop diuretics, NSAIDs, aminoglycosides) damage CN VIII, causing irreversible hearing loss. 

The first sign of ototoxicity is usually: 

 

• Dizziness 

• Ear drainage

• Tinnitus 

• Pain 

Answer explanation

Answer: C. Tinnitus 

Rationale: Ringing or buzzing in the ears is an early indicator of ototoxic damage. 

Which hearing loss type is typically permanent? 

 

• Conductive 

• Sensorineural 

• Mixed 

• Temporary 

Answer explanation

Answer: B. Sensorineural 

Rationale: Damage to inner ear structures or CN VIII cannot be reversed.