Hearing Loss
What Is It?
Reduced ability to perceive sounds. Age-related (presbycusis) is most common. Other causes: noise-induced, Meniere disease, otosclerosis, ototoxic medications, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
How Is It Diagnosed?
Whisper test and tuning fork (Rinne/Weber) in office. Formal audiometry by audiologist. CT temporal bones or MRI brain for asymmetric or sudden hearing loss.
How Is It Treated?
Mild-moderate: hearing aids. Severe: cochlear implant evaluation. Sudden SSNHL: urgent prednisone taper within 2 weeks. Cerumen impaction: manual removal.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
Audiometry, tympanometry, speech discrimination testing. MRI internal auditory canal for asymmetric SNHL. Labs (TSH, CBC, lipid panel, autoimmune if indicated).
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. Audiometry: $50-$150. Hearing aids: $1,000-$6,000 (not typically covered by insurance). MRI: $500-$1,200.