Sensory Systems

Read the case study and complete the whole lesson. Afterward, answer the questions related to the clinical case. This practical exercise will help you apply your newly acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios and improve your critical thinking skills.

Case study:

Jane, a 55-year-old woman, scheduled an appointment with an otolaryngologist due to recurrent issues with her hearing. Over the past six months, she noticed a gradual decline in her ability to hear clearly, especially in noisy environments. She began experiencing difficulty following conversations, particularly when multiple people were speaking simultaneously. Additionally, Jane reported occasional dizziness and a persistent ringing sensation in her left ear, which exacerbated her hearing difficulties. During the consultation, Jane detailed her medical history, revealing no prior issues with hearing loss or ear-related conditions. However, she mentioned a history of occasional sinusitis and allergies. Her otolaryngologist conducted a comprehensive examination, including an otoscopy and audiometry. The otoscopy revealed no visible abnormalities in the external ear canal or eardrum. However, the audiometry test, which assessed Jane’s hearing ability, indicated sensorineural hearing loss, particularly in higher frequencies, in both ears. Additionally, a vestibular function test confirmed mild bilateral vestibular dysfunction, explaining the dizziness episodes Jane experienced. Further investigations, including an MRI of the brain and auditory pathways, were conducted to rule out any structural abnormalities or lesions contributing to her symptoms. The results were unremarkable, suggesting no tumors or lesions affecting her auditory nerves. Based on the findings, Jane was diagnosed with presbycusis, a type of sensorineural hearing loss commonly associated with aging, compounded by mild bilateral vestibular dysfunction. The otolaryngologist explained that presbycusis often results from the natural aging process, leading to irreversible damage to the inner ear’s sensory cells and nerves, causing hearing loss. Moreover, the accompanying vestibular dysfunction contributed to her occasional dizziness. The treatment plan included hearing aids to improve Jane’s hearing ability, especially in noisy environments. The otolaryngologist also recommended vestibular rehabilitation exercises to manage her balance issues and provided guidance on lifestyle adjustments to cope with her condition effectively.

Upon completing the lesson return to the case study and answer the following questions related to the provided scenario.

  1. What is Presbycusis, and how does it differ from other types of hearing loss?Answer: Presbycusis is a type of sensorineural hearing loss associated with aging. It’s characterized by a gradual, irreversible loss of hearing due to changes in the inner ear as a person grows older. Unlike other forms of hearing loss caused by noise exposure, trauma, or infections, presbycusis specifically relates to age-related degeneration of the auditory system’s sensory cells and nerves.
  2. What were the diagnostic tests conducted for Jane to ascertain her hearing condition?Answer: Jane underwent several diagnostic tests, including an otoscopy, which examines the external ear and eardrum, and an audiometry test to assess her hearing ability. Additionally, a vestibular function test was performed to evaluate her balance, and an MRI of the brain and auditory pathways was conducted to rule out structural abnormalities.
  3. Why did Jane’s otolaryngologist recommend hearing aids and vestibular rehabilitation exercises?Answer: Hearing aids were suggested to help Jane improve her hearing ability, especially in noisy environments, as she was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises were recommended to manage her balance issues caused by mild bilateral vestibular dysfunction, helping her cope with dizziness and enhance her balance control.
  4. Explain the term “sensorineural hearing loss” and its relation to Jane’s diagnosis.Answer: Sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to damage to the inner ear’s sensory cells or the auditory nerve pathways to the brain. In Jane’s case, her audiometry results indicated sensorineural hearing loss in higher frequencies in both ears, contributing to her difficulty in hearing and understanding speech.


Prefixes for Sensory System

PrefixMeaningExample
a-Without, absence ofAgraphia (inability to write)
ab-From, away fromAbnormal (deviating from normal)
ana-Up, again, backwardAnaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction)
hyper-Above, excessiveHyperesthesia (heightened sensitivity)
hypo-Below, insufficientHypoesthesia (reduced sensitivity)
peri-Around, surroundingPeriorbital (around the orbit/eye)
syn-Together, joinedSynesthesia (merging of senses)

Combining Forms for Sensory System

Combining FormMeaningExample
Acous/o-HearingAcoustic (related to hearing)
Optic/o-Vision, sightOptic nerve (nerve for vision)
Olfact/o-SmellOlfactory receptor (sense of smell receptor)
Gustat/o-TasteGustatory system (the sense of taste system)
Tact/o-Touch, feelingTactile sensation (sense of touch)
Phot/o-Light, visionPhotoreceptor (receptor for light)
Synesth/o-Union, sensation togetherSynesthesia (blending of different sensations)

Suffixes for Sensory System

SuffixMeaningExample
-acusisHearing lossPresbycusis (age-related hearing loss)
-opiaVision conditionPresbyopia (age-related farsightedness)
-esthesiaSensation, perceptionAnesthesia (loss of sensation)
-geusiaTasteAgeusia (loss of taste)
-algesiaSensitivity to painHyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain)
-opiaVision conditionMyopia (nearsightedness)
-cusisHearing conditionHyperacusis (increased sensitivity to sound)