QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is unlikely as the patient would present with symptoms of loss of balance, vertigo, nausea and vomiting, along with hearing loss.
10003070
e
Labyrinthitis
QuestionChoice
This would present with symptoms of ear fullness and tinnitus, in younger patients. The audiogram would also have shown loss of hearing at low frequency.
10003068
c
Meniere's disease
QuestionChoice
This is unlikely as an ear examination would have shown fluid behind the tympanic membrane. The audiogram would also have indicated conductive hearing loss.
10003067
b
Otitis media with effusion
QuestionChoice
The audiogram is indicative of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Given the age and presentation of the patient, it is most likely to be age-related hearing loss due to degeneration of cochlea or auditory nerves, known as presbyacusis.
10003066
a
Presbycusis
QuestionChoice
This would present with symptoms of ear pain and discomfort, rather than hearing loss. An ear examination would show inflammation of the ear canal.
10003069
d
Otitis externa
Concept
Chapter
2693
4111
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Topic
138
Ear, Nose & Throat
13160
A 78 year old male is seen in the ENT clinic for bilateral hearing loss. The man complains it is worse in the left ear and does not report any ear pain, fullness, tinnitus, discharge, nausea and vomiting, or loss of balance.
There are no findings on examining the ears.

On performing audiometry, the audiogram shows two overall downward sloping lines indicating loss of hearing at high frequencies.

What is the most likely cause of hearing loss?
a