Neurophysiology and special senses: acoustic reflex: practice question

A Physiology 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.

Try it

Physiology · Neurophysiology and special senses: acoustic reflex

Sample item

A woman with right facial nerve palsy finds ordinary sounds uncomfortably loud in the right ear. What explains this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Paralysis of stapedius, which normally dampens ossicular vibration

The stapedius is supplied by the facial nerve and contracts reflexly to dampen movement of the stapes in loud sounds. When it is paralysed, sound transmission is not attenuated, causing hyperacusis.

Option by option

  • A. Loss of cochlear outer hair cell function

    Outer hair cell loss reduces sensitivity and does not cause hyperacusis.

  • B. Obstruction of the Eustachian tube

    Eustachian tube obstruction causes a conductive hearing loss.

  • C. Paralysis of stapedius, which normally dampens ossicular vibration (correct)

    Correct. Stapedius paralysis removes the damping reflex, so sounds seem louder.

  • D. Paralysis of tensor tympani, supplied by the facial nerve

    Tensor tympani is supplied by the mandibular nerve, not the facial nerve.

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.

More Physiology questions

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Paralysis of stapedius, which normally dampens ossicular vibration. The stapedius is supplied by the facial nerve and contracts reflexly to dampen movement of the stapes in loud sounds.

Why is "Loss of cochlear outer hair cell function" not the answer?

Outer hair cell loss reduces sensitivity and does not cause hyperacusis.

Why is "Obstruction of the Eustachian tube" not the answer?

Eustachian tube obstruction causes a conductive hearing loss.

Why is "Paralysis of tensor tympani, supplied by the facial nerve" not the answer?

Tensor tympani is supplied by the mandibular nerve, not the facial nerve.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology and special senses: acoustic reflex in Physiology. When it is paralysed, sound transmission is not attenuated, causing hyperacusis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Neurophysiology and special senses: acoustic reflex?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology 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.