How is a partial hearing loss claimed in one ear decided?

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If partial hearing loss is claimed in only one ear, the purportedly defective ear is sealed off, and the assessment proceeds for the other ear as detailed above. If the claim is for hearing loss in both ears, no external measure can determine the degree of loss except through the testimony of the claimant. Therefore, the judge must require an oath from the claimant and then subject the matter to arbitration (hukuma).