Evaluation of Hearing Loss Referrals in a University ENT Department

Aim: The aim of the present paper is to assess the degree of sensorineural hearing loss in the sample of the general population who were referred to our clinic due to hearing loss complaints.

Materials and Methods: We assessed 65 patients (ages 16 to 94 years; mean, 64 years) with the main symptom of hearing loss. Thirty-four were men (52.3%) and 31 were women (47.7%). Patients with conductive deafness and congenital hearing loss were excluded.

Results: The pure tone audiograms in decibels showed:

RIGHT EAR							LEFT EAR
Hz	250	500	1000	2000	4000	8000	250	500	1000	2000	4000	8000
Average	34.5	34.2	36.8	42.3	54.8	56.6	31.7	32.1	35.7	43.6	56.1	61.2
Min	10	10	5	5	20	10	5	5	5	5	25	30
Max	100	100	85	90	90	100	80	80	90	95	100	100
Median	25	30	35	40	55	70	25	25	30	45	55	70

Conclusion: Although the average age of the patients studied was 64 years (median age, 66 years) and high-frequency hearing loss due to presbyacousis was expected, the hearing thresholds were almost symmetrical across the main frequencies in the speech range (500 to 2000 Hz) suggesting that even analogue hearing aids may benefit the patients.