In the context of hearing loss, what does symmetrical mean?

In the context of hearing loss, the term "symmetrical" refers to a situation where an individual experiences the same degree and configuration of hearing loss in both ears. This means that when a hearing evaluation is conducted, the results show that both ears have similar thresholds, indicating a uniformity in the level of hearing impairment. This aspect is crucial for audiologists and educators to consider when developing treatment plans or educational strategies for individuals with hearing loss, as symmetrical loss may have different implications for communication strategies compared to asymmetrical hearing loss, where the degree and type of loss vary greatly between ears.