Hearing Loss Evaluation and Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English
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Hearing loss is a reduced ability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It is classified as conductive (sound blocked in the outer or middle ear), sensorineural (inner ear or nerve) or mixed. Many conductive causes, such as wax or fluid, are treatable; sensorineural loss is often managed with hearing aids. Sudden loss needs urgent care.
What is hearing loss?
Hearing loss means sounds are quieter, less clear or harder to separate from background noise. It can affect one ear or both, come on suddenly or gradually, and range from mild to profound. Doctors classify it by where the problem lies:
- Conductive hearing loss: sound cannot travel efficiently through the ear canal, eardrum or middle ear bones
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL): damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the hearing nerve
- Mixed hearing loss: a combination of both
Symptoms
- Asking people to repeat themselves, especially in noisy places
- Turning up the TV or phone volume
- Muffled speech or difficulty with high-pitched voices
- Tinnitus or ear fullness
- Fatigue from concentrating on conversation
Because gradual hearing loss develops slowly, family members or colleagues often notice it before the person affected does. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal and has been associated with cognitive decline in older adults, so it is worth checking rather than ignoring.
Causes
Conductive
Earwax impaction, fluid behind the eardrum, middle ear infection, eardrum perforation, chronic ear disease and otosclerosis.
Sensorineural
Aging (presbycusis), noise exposure, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, Meniere's disease, certain medications, genetic factors and, rarely, tumors of the hearing nerve.
How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic
Evaluation begins with an ear examination under magnification to look for wax, fluid or eardrum problems. A hearing test(pure-tone audiometry, often with speech testing) measures how much hearing is lost at each frequency and whether the loss is conductive or sensorineural. Tympanometry assesses middle ear pressure and eardrum movement. Because the Eustachian tube opens into the nose, Dr. Kim may also use nasal endoscopy when middle ear fluid is found. One-sided sensorineural loss may need an MRI to rule out a nerve tumor.
Treatment options
- Removing the blockage: wax removal or treatment of ear infection
- Treating middle ear fluid: nasal treatment, observation or myringotomy
- Sudden SNHL: urgent steroid treatment, including intratympanic steroid injection
- Permanent SNHL: hearing aids, and in severe cases referral for cochlear implant evaluation
- Surgery: referral for eardrum repair or ossicle surgery when appropriate
- Protection: limiting noise exposure to prevent further damage
When to see an ENT
See an ENT if you notice gradual hearing changes or your family comments on it. Treat sudden hearing loss as urgent: if hearing drops over hours to a few days, especially in one ear, see an ENT as soon as possible, ideally within days, because early treatment gives the best chance of recovery. Also seek prompt care for hearing loss with severe dizziness, facial weakness or ear discharge.
Seeing Dr. Kim in English
Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a former Yonsei and Ajou university professor, is a rhinologist by subspecialty who treats the full range of ear, nose and throat disorders, including hearing loss. Hearing tests and explanations are provided in English. Read our international patient guide or visit the Ear Clinic page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss?
Conductive loss means sound is blocked in the ear canal or middle ear, such as by wax or fluid, and is often treatable. Sensorineural loss involves the inner ear or nerve and is usually permanent, though sudden cases can respond to early steroid treatment.
How is a hearing test done?
You sit in a quiet booth wearing headphones and respond when you hear tones at different pitches and volumes. Speech tests and tympanometry may be added. The test is painless and results are explained during the same visit.
Is sudden hearing loss an emergency?
Yes, it should be treated as urgent. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss responds best to steroid treatment started early, ideally within days. Do not wait for it to clear on its own; see an ENT as soon as possible.
Your doctor
Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD
Board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT). Former clinical assistant professor at Yonsei University and assistant professor at Ajou University School of Medicine. Nose & sinus subspecialist who treats all ear, nose and throat conditions.
Consultations in English. Guide for international patients →
Visit us in Gangnam
2F HS Tower, 703 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Gangnam-gu Office Station (Line 7 / Suin-Bundang), Exit 3-1
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00–19:00
Wed 14:00–19:00 · Sat 9:00–14:00
Closed Sundays & public holidays
Related pages
This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.