Bilateral or asymmetrical hearing loss

Bilateral or asymmetrical hearing loss — referral criteria for ENT services.

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed bilateral or asymmetrical hearing loss with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Sudden onset hearing loss in the absence of clear aetiology

Sudden hearing loss due to trauma or vascular event

Sudden, profound hearing loss

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Asymmetrical hearing loss with significant impact on the patient

Sensorineural hearing loss confirmed by diagnostic audiology assessment

Symmetrical hearing loss caused by ototoxic medicine(s)

Usually managed in primary care