ABSTRACT
Hearing loss is one of the commonest disability affecting the adult population worldwide and commonest symptom for which patients report to the ENT department. A large number of diseases cause hearing loss and the presentation is variable according to the type of loss and underlying aetiology. Due to large numbers of patients affected, hearing loss has a huge economic effect in terms of man hours lost due to disability and also as litigation/compensation for occupational hearing loss. The disease also has a tremendous psychological burden as it leads to social isolation and even depression. As the disease has multiple aspects, the otolaryngologist should be prepared to tackle each of the effects in order to achieve a high satisfaction rate in patients.
