Otology: sensorineural hearing loss: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Otology: sensorineural hearing loss

Sample item

A patient suddenly develops unilateral hearing loss with tinnitus and a normal ear canal and tympanic membrane. What is the appropriate principle?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Treat as sudden sensorineural hearing loss and arrange urgent ENT assessment

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is an otologic emergency because timely assessment and treatment may improve outcome. Normal otoscopy does not exclude inner-ear pathology.

Option by option

  • A. Treat as sudden sensorineural hearing loss and arrange urgent ENT assessment (correct)

    Correct. Urgent assessment is needed for acute sensorineural loss.

  • B. Prescribe an antibiotic for otitis externa

    Otitis externa should have canal inflammatory findings.

  • C. Assume wax despite normal otoscopy

    Normal otoscopy makes obstructing wax unlikely.

  • D. Wait several weeks before assessment

    Delay may reduce the opportunity for effective treatment.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is A, Treat as sudden sensorineural hearing loss and arrange urgent ENT assessment. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is an otologic emergency because timely assessment and treatment may improve outcome.

Why is "Prescribe an antibiotic for otitis externa" not the answer?

Otitis externa should have canal inflammatory findings.

Why is "Assume wax despite normal otoscopy" not the answer?

Normal otoscopy makes obstructing wax unlikely.

Why is "Wait several weeks before assessment" not the answer?

Delay may reduce the opportunity for effective treatment.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology: sensorineural hearing loss in ENT. Normal otoscopy does not exclude inner-ear pathology.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Otology: sensorineural hearing loss?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.