What is asymmetrical hearing loss, how do you test for it?

One ear hears better: In asymmetrical hearing loss (hl), one ear hears much better than the other. A formal audiogram (a hearing test done in a soundproof room) is the best way to test for hl. The test will tell ents if you have a conductive loss (transmission of sound is blocked), a sensorineural loss (hearing nerve isn't working), or a mixed loss. Ents classically evaluate patients with asymmetric hl.

Hearing loss: Asymmetrical hearing loss just means that one has bilateral loss of hearing one worse than the other. Testing is with audiometry.

One hear is worse: Audiometric testing can identify an asymmetric hearing loss. That is one ear is worse then the other. We see this often in hunters who use a shot gun. If it is not related to noise exposure, you need to see an ENT doctor for diagnosis.