Hearing Loss

Question 1

Definition of hearing loss

Answer 1

Hearing loss is common and can occur at any age — depending on the underlying cause it can be temporary or permanent, of sudden onset (developing within 72 hours) or slowly progressive.

Question 2

Categories of hearing loss

Answer 2

Conductive - outer or middle ear problems

Senorineural - inner ear problems

Mixed - both conductive and sensorineural are present

Question 3

What is the pure tone threshold for mild, moderate, severe or profound

Answer 3

mild - 25-39
moderate - 40-69
severe - 70-94
profound - over 95

Question 4

Risk factors for hearing loss - 2

Answer 4

Noise induced from occupational exposure

Age related hearing loss

Question 5

Complications of hearing loss - 4

Answer 5

negative effects on relationships with friends and family

negative employment

Depression and anxiety

More likely to develop dementia

Question 6

Causes of conductive hearing loss - 7

Answer 6

• Impacted wax
• Foreign bodies
• Otitis externa
• otitis media
• otitis media with effusion
• otosclerosis
• TM perforation

Question 7

Causes of sensorineural hearing loss - 7

Answer 7

• Presbycusis
• Labyrinthitis
• Menieres disease
• Noise exposure
• SSHL - sudden sensorineural hearing loss
• Malignancy
• Vestibular schwannoma