Otology: objective tinnitus: 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: objective tinnitus

Sample item

A patient complains of a rhythmic clicking in the ear that the examiner can hear and that is synchronous with movements of the soft palate. What is the cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Palatal myoclonus

Rhythmic contractions of palatal muscles such as tensor veli palatini produce an audible click, an example of objective tinnitus. Most tinnitus is subjective. Glomus tumours cause pulsatile tinnitus synchronous with the pulse.

Option by option

  • A. Palatal myoclonus (correct)

    Correct. Palatal myoclonus gives clicking synchronous with palate movements.

  • B. Meniere's disease

    Meniere's gives low-pitched roaring tinnitus with vertigo.

  • C. Otosclerosis

    Otosclerosis causes a low-pitched subjective tinnitus.

  • D. Glomus tympanicum

    Glomus tumours cause pulsatile tinnitus in time with the pulse.

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.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is A, Palatal myoclonus. Rhythmic contractions of palatal muscles such as tensor veli palatini produce an audible click, an example of objective tinnitus.

Why is "Meniere's disease" not the answer?

Meniere's gives low-pitched roaring tinnitus with vertigo.

Why is "Otosclerosis" not the answer?

Otosclerosis causes a low-pitched subjective tinnitus.

Why is "Glomus tympanicum" not the answer?

Glomus tumours cause pulsatile tinnitus in time with the pulse.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology: objective tinnitus in ENT. Most tinnitus is subjective. Glomus tumours cause pulsatile tinnitus synchronous with the pulse.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: objective tinnitus?

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.