Chapter 20: Disorders of Hearing and Vestibular Function

Acute otitis externa, an inflammatory infection of the external auditory canal, is discussed with emphasis on clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based treatment approaches. The chapter then transitions to vestibular disorders characterized by dizziness, vertigo, and associated nausea—symptoms that arise from disruption of the balance system's normal signaling. These vestibular conditions are distinguished by their relationship to positional changes and movement, with specific attention to how peripheral vestibular dysfunction differs from central nervous system involvement. The pathophysiology underlying these balance disturbances is explained through the vestibular system's role in detecting head position and motion, with disruption at various anatomical levels producing different clinical patterns. Management strategies emphasize symptom relief, vestibular rehabilitation techniques, and identification of underlying etiologies. The chapter integrates current clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based approaches to help clinicians differentiate between various hearing and balance disorders, establish accurate diagnoses, and implement appropriate therapeutic interventions. By examining both common and significant conditions affecting these sensory systems, the chapter provides foundational knowledge essential for understanding how disruptions in auditory and vestibular function manifest clinically and how they can be effectively managed in clinical practice.