ENT

20 learning units • 100 chapter sections • 200 explained questions. Assess ear, nose and throat symptoms, recognise urgent complications and plan safe treatment, referral and rehabilitation.

Original RAHBAR study material for the Year 4 learning pathway. Clinical cases support supervised undergraduate learning. Treatment choices, doses and procedures must follow current local protocols and the responsible clinical team. References & further reading ↓

MODULE 06 / 20

Sudden Hearing Loss & Hearing Rehabilitation

Recognise time-sensitive sensorineural loss and support communication after hearing impairment.

Choose an answer and check it immediately. Change your choice to try again. This is a self-study exercise; results are not saved.

Question 01. A patient wakes with marked unilateral hearing loss and a normal drum. What is appropriate? A. Routine wax drops for several weeksB. Immediate assessment for sudden sensorineural lossC. Reassurance because otoscopy is normalD. Annual audiology only

Question 02. Can a blocked-ear sensation occur in sensorineural hearing loss? A. No, it always proves waxB. YesC. Only with visible perforationD. Only after swimming

Question 03. Should routine audiometry scheduling delay urgent referral for recent sudden unexplained loss? A. Yes, until a standard appointment is availableB. Only if the drum looks normalC. Only if tinnitus is presentD. No

Question 04. What is the NICE target for assessment of qualifying recent sudden unexplained hearing loss? A. Within 24 hoursB. Within one yearC. Only after six monthsD. At the next routine screening cycle

Question 05. Sudden hearing loss with focal neurological signs may require what? A. Only a hearing-aid fittingB. Routine antihistaminesC. Emergency stroke or neurological assessmentD. Reassurance if there is no ear pain

Question 06. Which treatment may specialists consider in suitable idiopathic sudden sensorineural loss? A. Corticosteroids with an individual risk assessmentB. Ear candlingC. Routine long-term antibiotics for everyoneD. Irrigation of a normal canal

Question 07. Does delayed presentation after a sudden loss make assessment unnecessary? A. Yes, no cause can be investigatedB. Only if the other ear is normalC. No, urgent evaluation may still be neededD. Only if pain has stopped

Question 08. What should counselling say about recovery? A. Full recovery is certainB. No recovery is possible in any caseC. Outcome varies and cannot be guaranteedD. Hearing aids cure every cause

Question 09. What follows hearing-aid fitting? A. Permanent discharge without checksB. No need to discuss communicationC. Adjustment, support and review of benefitD. Automatic withdrawal of every other service

Question 10. Which issue belongs in hearing rehabilitation? A. Only the cosmetic colour of the deviceB. Only the otoscopic photographC. Work, safety and communication needsD. Avoiding family involvement in every case

0 / 10 answeredReady for assessment →

References & Further Reading

Read the relevant guideline sections alongside these original clinical teaching cases. Local pathways, available services and individual patient factors determine care.

NICE NG98 — Hearing loss in adults

Reference review: 28 September 2026. Consult current local protocols for prescribing, procedures and escalation.