Patient History

Age:                56

Gender:          M

This somewhat overweight male was memorable not only for his audiologic results, but for his … colorful … description of his recent velopharyngeal surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. He described the pain as being similar to having one’s penis caught in one’s zipper and leaving it there.  (Ladies, what do you do with such an inappropriate comment?  I ignored it.   “Hmmm – have a seat over here.  In the next test you will feel some pressure in your ears.  I’ll need you to sit quietly and refrain from talking for a few minutes.”)

The sleep apnea surgery included nasal surgery and was conducted 15 days prior to the audiological evaluation reported in this case.  He complains of hearing loss in the left ear and a feeling as if there is water in his ears.  There is no otalgia, but there is a report of aural fullness.  He reports dizziness which was described as being “as if the floor is less steady.”  There is no current tinnitus.

Otoscopy

Reddened tympanic membranes and abnormal appearance bilaterally.