Question

A 70-year-old male patient presents with decreased hearing in higher frequencies. It was noted that the basilar membrane was affected. Which of the following structures lie near the affected structure?

• A. Modiolus
• B. Stria vascularis
• C. Oval window
• D. Helicotrema

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

A 70-year-old male patient presents with decreased hearing in higher frequencies. This condition often points to an issue near the base of the cochlea, where high-frequency sounds are processed. The cochlea contains the basilar membrane, an essential structure that vibrates in response to sound and helps to differentiate between frequencies. Sounds with higher frequencies are detected at the base of the cochlea on the basilar membrane.

The question asks which structure lies near the affected structure. Let's examine the options:

• Modiolus: The central core of the cochlea, containing nerve fibers, is not directly adjacent to the external edge of the basilar membrane where high frequencies are detected.
• Stria vascularis: A structure present on the lateral wall of the cochlear duct that produces endolymph. It is not located near the base of the basilar membrane.
• Oval window: This is a membrane-covered opening that leads from the middle ear to the cochlea. It lies at the base of the cochlea, near where high-frequency sounds are processed and the basilar membrane is situated.
• Helicotrema: Located at the apex of the cochlea, it is the opposite end from where high frequencies are detected; it is not relevant to this condition.

Given this analysis, the correct structure near the affected part of the basilar membrane where high frequency hearing loss would be observed is the oval window as it is located at the base of the cochlea, aligning with the location where high-frequency processing occurs.