Question

After sticking a Q-Tip too far in his ear, Terrence experienced severe pain, drainage, and partial hearing loss in his ear. He was examined by his doctor and was told that there was damage to his ear, and that the bones in his middle ear were visible. The part of Terrence’s ear that was most likely damaged was ____.

Answer 1

Options for question are not given. They are as follows:

a. the cochlea

b. the organ of corti

c. the anvil

d. the eardrum

Answer:

d. the eardrum

Explanation:

Eardrum or tympanic membrane is a thin membrane that is present between the ear canal and the middle ear. It vibrates on receiving sound waves which are then transmitted to middle and inner ear.

If eardrum gets damaged due to a Q-Tip or some other reason pain, bleeding and partial hearing loss can occur. It usually heals on its own. Since Terrence displayed the above stated symptoms he most probably had damaged his eardrum. If the damage had gone further to the inner bones like anvil or cochlea, dizziness and permanent hearing loss could have occurred.