Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: FuzzyUK on 28/02/2009 00:04:11

Title: Eustation tube
Post by: FuzzyUK on 28/02/2009 00:04:11: How far is the eardrum located from the junction of the eustation tube and the lining of the throat? Is it possible to accidentally damage the inner ear components if one poked a wire into it?

Richard
Title: Eustation tube
Post by: Chemistry4me on 28/02/2009 00:07:36: (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airears.com%2Fimages%2Fmiddle-ear-pressure.gif&hash=4a179d020653a26ec4160dc3c8fdd1b4)

You mean Eustachian tube (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustachian_tube)? [:)]
Title: Eustation tube
Post by: Chemistry4me on 28/02/2009 00:08:51: (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdrharris.ucsd.edu%2FPortals%2F0%2FEustachian%2520tube%2520cropped%2520%28NLM%29.jpg&hash=72e7d8afaaaa8ef2fd64cf100d8d33df)
Title: Eustation tube
Post by: Karen W. on 28/02/2009 01:08:08: Quote from: FuzzyUK on 28/02/2009 00:04:11
How far is the eardrum located from the junction of the eustation tube and the lining of the throat? Is it possible to accidentally damage the inner ear components if one poked a wire into it?

Richard
Definitely could puncture your eardrum.. You should never use things in your ear.. not even q tips! You could compact wax up against the eardrum and a wire would just be crazy... very dangerous...

Please DO NOT INSERT WIRES OR OTHER OBJECTS INTO YOUR EARS!
Title: Eustation tube
Post by: Chemistry4me on 28/02/2009 01:13:17: What are q tips?
Title: Eustation tube
Post by: Karen W. on 28/02/2009 01:16:03: The eardrum is visible by using a odeoscope.. it is very close in side your ear... if you look inside you will see a pearly whitish shiny area in your ear.. which you can't see your self.. but another could with the proper device..
If you were to look inside with a lit up odeoscope and find a pinkish eardrum or red and gooey you could assume you have an infection.. if it looks swollen pink and distended you may have fluid behind your eardrum that may be infected also and you should seek help from and eyes nose and ear and throat Doctor or see your doctor! especially if your ears are blocked or in pain etc.. unusual drainage could be a ruptured eardrum.. etc.

Q-tips are small plastic sticks with cotton swabs on each end! for cleaning out outer ear.. not inside ear!
Title: Eustation tube
Post by: FuzzyUK on 28/02/2009 21:38:40: When I asked "Is it possible to accidentally damage the inner ear components if one poked a wire into it?", I actually meant via the Eustachian tube. I'm presuming the canal is only a couple of inches long?

Also, I wonder if surgeons make use of this route to perform some operations?
Title: Eustation tube
Post by: Chemistry4me on 28/02/2009 23:06:20: You mean through your nose!?!
Title: Eustation tube
Post by: FuzzyUK on 01/03/2009 07:52:01: Quote from: Chemistry4me on 28/02/2009 23:06:20
You mean through your nose!?!

No, towards the rear of the throat where the Eustachian tube joins it.
Title: Eustation tube
Post by: Chemistry4me on 01/03/2009 07:54:29: I don't see how you can 'accidentally' damage your inner ear by poking a wire into your head! [:D] Just what exactly are you planning to do?
Title: Eustation tube
Post by: Karen W. on 01/03/2009 08:31:35: LOL You know fuzzyUK every time I see your name I want to call you fuzzy navel.. a drink my mother in law likes.. LOL..

Anyway my son had tubes and abnormal bone growth which they had to remove.. this was done via his throat after removing his adenoids and tonsils.. He said he took out bone from behind the eardrum.. but I assumed they went through both ways.. I am not sure!