Can You Taste It?

Question: A 48 year old female chef is evaluated for unilateral conductive hearing loss. She noted worsening of hearing during a prior pregnancy. Examination is normal except for Weber lateralizing to the right side and bone conduction greater than air conduction on the right with a 512 Hz tuning fork (normal on the left). She is interested in surgery and you discuss the relevant risks and benefits with her. She is particularly worried about dysgeusia given her career. What is the likelihood of transient, short-term dysgeusia after stapedotomy?

a) < 1%

b) 5-10%

c) 50-60%

d) 90%

[Answer will be posted with next week's new question]

Answer to last week's question, “Making The Grade" (April 1, 2019)

A - Mucosal melanoma.