Otology: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Otology

Sample item

What is the usual first management for uncomplicated impacted earwax causing hearing loss?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Use appropriate cerumen-softening or removal technique after assessment

Impacted cerumen is managed by safe softening or removal when indicated, while avoiding instrumentation that can push wax deeper or injure the canal.

Option by option

  • A. Insert cotton buds deeply every day

    Cotton buds can compact wax and traumatize the canal.

  • B. Begin systemic antibiotics

    Antibiotics do not remove uncomplicated wax.

  • C. Prescribe vestibular suppressants

    Vestibular medicines do not treat conductive wax loss.

  • D. Use appropriate cerumen-softening or removal technique after assessment (correct)

    Correct: safe cerumen management restores canal patency.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Use appropriate cerumen-softening or removal technique after assessment. Impacted cerumen is managed by safe softening or removal when indicated, while avoiding instrumentation that can push wax deeper or injure the canal.

Why is "Insert cotton buds deeply every day" not the answer?

Cotton buds can compact wax and traumatize the canal.

Why is "Begin systemic antibiotics" not the answer?

Antibiotics do not remove uncomplicated wax.

Why is "Prescribe vestibular suppressants" not the answer?

Vestibular medicines do not treat conductive wax loss.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology in ENT. The correct option holds because: Correct: safe cerumen management restores canal patency.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Otology?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.