Otology: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Otology

Sample item

What is the most common symptom of impacted ear wax?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Conductive hearing reduction

Cerumen impaction obstructs sound transmission through the external auditory canal and therefore commonly produces temporary conductive hearing reduction.

Option by option

  • A. Hematemesis

    Hematemesis indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding, not ear wax.

  • B. Conductive hearing reduction (correct)

    Correct: canal blockage reduces sound conduction.

  • C. Severe vertigo with weakness

    Severe vertigo with weakness suggests a neurologic or vestibular emergency.

  • D. Painless visual loss

    Visual loss is unrelated to cerumen in the ear canal.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, Conductive hearing reduction. Cerumen impaction obstructs sound transmission through the external auditory canal and therefore commonly produces temporary conductive hearing reduction.

Why is "Hematemesis" not the answer?

Hematemesis indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding, not ear wax.

Why is "Severe vertigo with weakness" not the answer?

Severe vertigo with weakness suggests a neurologic or vestibular emergency.

Why is "Painless visual loss" not the answer?

Visual loss is unrelated to cerumen in the ear canal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology in ENT. The correct option holds because: Correct: canal blockage reduces sound conduction.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Otology?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.