Which type of hearing loss should be referred for further audiometric workup to rule out medical causes?

Unilateral hearing loss should prompt a referral for further audiometric evaluation to rule out any underlying medical issues. This is due to the fact that hearing loss present in only one ear can be indicative of a variety of conditions, including tumors, auditory nerve issues, or other structural anomalies that may require medical intervention.

In contrast, bilateral hearing loss is often associated with age-related changes or genetic factors and can sometimes be managed without extensive medical workup. Conductive hearing loss focuses on issues related to the outer or middle ear, and many cases can be addressed with medical or surgical treatments, but they don't typically require the same immediate medical evaluation as unilateral losses. Mixed hearing loss, combining both conductive and sensorineural components, might also lead to a referral but is usually approached with a wider perspective regarding treatment options rather than immediate medical investigation.

Thus, the singular nature of unilateral hearing loss makes it a priority for exploration of potential medical causes, ensuring that any serious health issues can be caught early.