Final answer:
Unilateral hearing loss refers to the loss of hearing in one ear. It can be conductive or sensorineural hearing loss, depending on the cause. A tuning fork test called the Weber test can be used to differentiate between the two types of unilateral hearing loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unilateral hearing loss refers to the loss of hearing in one ear. It can be classified as conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs due to problems in the middle or outer ear, such as a blockage or damage to the bones of the middle ear. Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, is caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve.
For example, with unilateral conductive hearing loss, a tuning fork test called the Weber test can be used to differentiate between the ears. If the tuning fork sounds louder in the ear with hearing loss, it indicates a blockage in the damaged ear. In contrast, with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, the tuning fork sounds quieter in the affected ear due to damage to the cochlea or associated nervous tissue.