Hearing Loss/Tinnitus :: PLAB 2 Symptomatic Differential Stations
- examiner mla
- Mar 22
- 1 min read
Acoustic neuroma
Other presenting symptoms:
DVT+cranial nerve palsy
Unilateral chronic hearing loss
Balance problems
Dizziness
Tinnitus
Pain/fullness in the ear
Past history and PMAFTOSA:
Family history
Social:
Life effects
Living situation
DVLA
Exam and Invs:
GPE, vitals
Routine bloods, ESR, CRP
Ear examination
Cerebellar examination
Cranial nerve examination
MRI brain
Referral:
Immediate ENT referral
Treatment:
Specialist treatment:
Surgery if required
Warning signs:
FAST
Severe headache, loss of vision
Acute idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss
Other presenting symptoms:
Sudden hearing loss in one ear
Past history and PMAFTOSA:
Rule out FAST
Social:
Exam and Invs:
GPE, vitals
Routine bloods
Ear examination
Referral:
Immediate ENT referral
Treatment:
Audiometry and treat underlying cause
Hearing aids
Warning signs:
FAST
Ear wax
Other presenting symptoms:
Slight ear pain
Hearing loss in one ear
Recent swimming history
Past history and PMAFTOSA:
Social:
Work
Exam and Invs:
GPE, vitals
Ear examination
Referral:
None
Treatment:
Ear drops
General advice:
Avoid ear buds
Cover ears while swimming
Warning signs:
Ear pain increasing
Headache, Fever
Noise trauma
Other presenting symptoms:
Chronic bilateral tinnitus
Worse when sleeping
Noise exposure history
Past history and PMAFTOSA:
Social:
Life effects
work
Exam and Invs:
GPE, vitals
Ear examination
Referral:
None
Treatment:
General advice:
Sound therapy (backgorund noise while sleeping etc.)
Warning signs:
Worsening symptoms
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