Asymmetric hearing loss
What is an asymmetric hearing loss? Definition of asymmetric hearing loss
Asymmetric hearing loss is normally defined as a difference of 15 dB between the right and left ears at three contiguous frequencies. When a person has a hearing loss, the hearing loss is almost never exactly the same in both ears. But to be characterized as an asymmetric hearing loss, there has to be a certain difference in severity between the two ears in a number of frequencies as well as being a hearing loss in both ears (bilateral hearing loss). If there is only a hearing loss in one ear it is called a unilateral hearing loss.
Causes
The causes of asymmetrical hearing loss are normally the same as for hearing loss in general such as ageing (age-related hearing loss), noise (noise-induced hearing loss), genetic causes (genetic hearing loss), drugs and injuries to the head or the ear.
Types
An asymmetric hearing loss can be a sensorineural hearing loss (also called asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss or ASNHL), a conductive hearing loss or a mixed hearing loss.
Identification and treatment
An asymmetric hearing loss is identified through a hearing test and it is normally treated with hearing aids or hearing implants.