Which statement accurately describes asymmetrical hearing loss?

• A. The ears have identical levels of loss
• B. Only one ear is affected
• C. Hearing loss is not present
• D. The ears have different degrees of loss

Answer: (D)

Asymmetrical hearing loss means the two ears don’t have the same amount of impairment—the degree of loss differs between ears. This shows up on testing as different hearing thresholds for the left and right ears. If both ears showed the same level of loss, that would be symmetrical; if there were no loss, hearing would be normal. Saying the ears have different degrees of loss captures the general pattern, including cases where only one ear is affected.