Question

For each of the sensory disturbances A–E, select the most appropriate option from the list below. 

1. The gradual loss of hearing ability 

2. The loss of ability to recognize objects by with age. touch. 

3. Absence of smell sensation. 

4. Night blindness. 

5. A refractive error due to the cornea having different refractive power in the horizontal and transverse planes. 

6. A disorder of hearing where the patient complains of hearing abnormal noise. 

A. Astereognosis. 

B. Astigmatism. 

C. Presbycusis. 

D. Anosmia. 

E. Tinnitus.

Answer 1

A. Option 2 The loss of ability to recognize objects by touch. This ability is a cortical function and its loss suggests damage to the sensory cortex in the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe. 

B. Option 5 A refractive error due to the cornea having different refractive power in the horizontal and transverse planes. This common refractive error is corrected by provision of cylindrical lenses that make refraction in the vertical plane equal refraction in the horizontal plane. 

C. Option 1 The gradual loss of hearing ability with age. This affects about one third of people over seventy and is probably due to cumulative damage to the hair cells in the organs of Corti. It tends to be worse in people who have lived and worked in noisy environments. 

D. Option 3 Absence of smell sensation. As with hearing, sensitivity to smell stimuli tends to decrease with age. Temporary anosmia is a feature of the common cold. 

E. Option 6 A disorder of hearing where the patient complains of hearing abnormal noise. The noise is described as ringing, buzzing, roaring etc.