A patient is seen for hearing loss and odd popping noises in his left ear after "having a cold." This patient is demonstrating signs of what potential problem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of hearing loss and popping noises after having a cold suggest serous otitis media, which is often caused by congestion in the Eustachian tube. Otitis externa is inflammation of the external ear canal, acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, and otitis interna is an infection of the inner ear.

A Patient Is Seen for Hearing Loss and Odd Popping