Otology: tympanosclerosis: 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: tympanosclerosis

Sample item

A man with a past history of recurrent otitis media and grommets has chalky white plaques on the drum and a mild conductive hearing loss. What is the pathology?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Hyalinisation and calcification of collagen in the tympanic membrane and middle ear

Tympanosclerosis follows repeated inflammation and is hyaline degeneration with calcium deposition. It can fix the ossicles and cause conductive loss. Treatment is a hearing aid or ossiculoplasty if needed.

Option by option

  • A. Hyalinisation and calcification of collagen in the tympanic membrane and middle ear (correct)

    Correct. Hyalinisation and calcification produce the white plaques.

  • B. Bony fixation of the stapes footplate

    Stapes footplate fixation describes otosclerosis.

  • C. Fibrous replacement of the cochlea

    Cochlear fibrosis is a sequel of labyrinthitis.

  • D. Squamous epithelial invasion of the middle ear

    Squamous invasion describes cholesteatoma.

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 ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is A, Hyalinisation and calcification of collagen in the tympanic membrane and middle ear. Tympanosclerosis follows repeated inflammation and is hyaline degeneration with calcium deposition.

Why is "Bony fixation of the stapes footplate" not the answer?

Stapes footplate fixation describes otosclerosis.

Why is "Fibrous replacement of the cochlea" not the answer?

Cochlear fibrosis is a sequel of labyrinthitis.

Why is "Squamous epithelial invasion of the middle ear" not the answer?

Squamous invasion describes cholesteatoma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology: tympanosclerosis in ENT. It can fix the ossicles and cause conductive loss. Treatment is a hearing aid or ossiculoplasty if needed.

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: tympanosclerosis?

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.