Hearing Loss Perceptions in Patients With Subjective Asymmetry: Analysis and Implications

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of self-reported hearing asymmetry in predicting objectively defined asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) and identify patient factors associated with over- or underestimation of individual ear hearing loss severity.

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Self-reported hearing asymmetry has limited predictive accuracy for objectively defined asymmetric hearing loss; audiologists should not rely on patient perception alone to rule in or rule out asymmetric hearing loss and should confirm with formal audiometric testing.

Understanding the gap between patient-perceived and audiometrically confirmed asymmetry can reduce missed diagnoses and unnecessary referrals, improving triage efficiency in audiology clinics.

1. 01Study assessed whether subjective reports of one-sided hearing difference match objective audiometric asymmetry criteria.
2. 02Patient-level factors (e.g., age, duration of symptoms) were analyzed as predictors of perceptual accuracy.
3. 03Published in the American Journal of Audiology (DOI: 10.1044/2026_AJA-25-00291).
4. 04Findings have direct implications for intake screening and referral pathways in audiology practice.
5. 05Highlights the importance of objective testing even when patients report clear unilateral difficulty.

PMID

42467662

DOI

10.1044/2026_AJA-25-00291.

Journal

American Journal of Audiology

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Patients presenting with subjective perception of asymmetric hearing loss

Intervention

Analysis of self-reported hearing asymmetry versus objective audiometric asymmetry criteria

Comparator

Objective audiometric definition of asymmetric hearing loss