International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

Which condition typically has no medical interventions for treatment?

1. Conductive hearing loss

2. Mixed hearing loss

3. Sensorineural hearing loss

4. Functional hearing loss

The correct answer is: Sensorineural hearing loss

The correct answer is functional hearing loss. This condition is characterized by hearing difficulties that cannot be attributed to an identifiable physical cause, such as damage to the auditory system. It is often associated with psychological factors rather than physiological ones. Because it does not stem from a pathological condition, medical interventions like surgery or medications that are typically used for other types of hearing loss are generally not applicable. In contrast, conductive hearing loss is often treatable through medical or surgical means to correct issues in the outer or middle ear, while mixed hearing loss may involve both conductive and sensorineural components, allowing for a range of treatment options. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent and may be treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants rather than having no medical intervention at all.