What characterizes mixed hearing loss?

Mixed hearing loss is characterized by the presence of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones in the middle ear, often due to blockages or damage to these structures. Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways, which can stem from various factors such as aging, noise exposure, or infections.

When an individual experiences mixed hearing loss, they have issues related to both of these mechanisms. For example, they might have a blockage in the outer or middle ear (conductive component) which affects sound transmission, combined with damage to the cochlea or auditory nerve (sensorineural component) that affects sound perception. This dual involvement makes mixed hearing loss unique and encapsulates the complexities of diagnosing and treating hearing impairments.

The other options describe specific conditions that do not encompass the dual nature of mixed hearing loss, underscoring the significance of identifying and addressing both types of hearing loss in affected individuals.