What is the Cause of My Patient's Hearing Loss?

This is a flowsheet differentiating multiple causes of hearing loss. The onset and chronicity of hearing loss is a critical starting point in understanding whether urgent action is needed, such as in the setting of suspected stroke or sudden sensorineural hearing loss. For hearing loss that has been present for months to years, differentiating whether the loss is primarily symmetric or asymmetric is another point that should prompt consideration of referral and further evaluation. Regardless of the underlying cause of hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss, assessment and interventions can and should be offered.