Audiology: noise-induced 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 · Audiology: noise-induced hearing loss

Sample item

A textile mill worker with 15 years of exposure to loud machinery has an audiogram with a sharp dip at 4000 Hz in both ears and recovery at 8000 Hz. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss

A 4 kHz notch with partial recovery at higher frequencies is the classic audiometric signature of chronic noise damage. Outer hair cells in the basal turn are lost first. Otosclerosis would give a conductive loss and a 2 kHz bone dip.

Option by option

  • A. Ototoxicity from aminoglycosides

    Aminoglycoside ototoxicity affects high frequencies progressively without a notch and recovery.

  • B. Otosclerosis

    Otosclerosis is conductive with a Carhart notch at 2 kHz.

  • C. Acoustic neuroma

    Acoustic neuroma is usually unilateral with retrocochlear features.

  • D. Noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss (correct)

    Correct. A bilateral 4 kHz notch with recovery is typical of noise damage.

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.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss. A 4 kHz notch with partial recovery at higher frequencies is the classic audiometric signature of chronic noise damage.

Why is "Ototoxicity from aminoglycosides" not the answer?

Aminoglycoside ototoxicity affects high frequencies progressively without a notch and recovery.

Why is "Otosclerosis" not the answer?

Otosclerosis is conductive with a Carhart notch at 2 kHz.

Why is "Acoustic neuroma" not the answer?

Acoustic neuroma is usually unilateral with retrocochlear features.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Audiology: noise-induced hearing loss in ENT. Outer hair cells in the basal turn are lost first. Otosclerosis would give a conductive loss and a 2 kHz bone dip.

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 Audiology: noise-induced 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.