Aural Affections: Cases from My Registry

Abstract

Messrs. Editors,-I send a few notes of cases of diseases of the ear, selected from my registry, not so much because of their remarkableness, but for the purpose of supplying a modicum of aural literature, a subject which our medical journals seldom touch upon, and yet the profession at large really " know nothing about the diseases of the organ of hearing." I trust that the opportunities afforded by several years' attention to the subject, induced through a personal interest (for I am myself a sufferer), and enjoying an extensive practice, will be my apology for presuming to diffuse a little information on a subject which has been too long and much neglected by practitioners generally, and, I am sorry to say, but very little understood. But I have no time nor space for useless complainings, and will at once, with your permission, "report occasionally."No. 181.-Nov. 8th, 1859. A. C.,Bowdoinham, aged 55, sallow complexion, and of intemperate habits, applied to me to help an intolerable deafness of only two years' standing. Canals moist, with an ichorous discharge. Right membrane punctured anteriorly about two lines in diameter; left, the same, three lines-both apertures being of an angular shape. The edges were thickened and villous, and the manubrium of the malleus was invisible in both ears. He thinks that " small pieces of bone came out of the left ear." Forced expiration gave free exit to the air, with some gurgling of sound. Had at the first attack a trifling pain, but remembers nothing severe. The bursting of both membranes was simultaneous, with a discharge of bloody matter. Has a great deal of tinnitus, of a rumbling, roaring character. Has long been troubled with nasal catarrh. The habits of the patient not being of a character to attend to any faithful treatment, a weak astringent lotion was prescribed, and small bits of wetted cotton were carefully matted over the apertures. The hearing was surprisingly improved, and after a few days' instruction as to the method of applying the cotton, which he now does himself very readily, his hearing is rendered very good, and little or no difference as to the best ear, thus artificially assisted, is observed. The case is amenable to the healing process, and I trust he may yet yield to the care and attention required for its performance. No. 199. Flora E., Brunswick, aged 9 years ; deaf three years. Hearing distance, watch, six inches either side. Canals-right, normal; left, ceruminous impaction. Membranes-right, dull, with a pinkish hue ; malleus prominent ; left, after removal of the impaction, vascular. Owing to the tender age of the patient, the condition of the middle ear and Eustachian tube, and whether pain and tinnitus were accompaniments, could not be ascertained,