Ear problems are among the most common concerns seen by family physicians. This edition of FP Essentials addresses several key diagnoses in the field of otology. Section One covers hearing loss, which is increasingly common. I was interested to learn that more than 60% of people older than 70 years have significant hearing loss and that 10% to 20% of hearing loss can be attributed to noise exposure. Section Two gives helpful tips on diagnosing and categorizing the various types of vertigo so that appropriate management can be selected. Section Three covers ear infections: otitis media, otitis media with effusion, and otitis externa. Section Four focuses on management of cerumen impactions and aural foreign bodies.

I hope you find this edition of FP Essentials helpful for your practice. When you have finished studying it and are ready to submit your posttest answers, please tell us what was most useful and what we can do to improve. We look forward to hearing your ideas for topics you would like covered in future editions.

Karl T. Rew, MD, Associate Medical Editor
Clinical Associate Professor
Departments of Family Medicine and Urology
University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor