Mixed Hearing Loss
A hearing loss with both sensorineural and conductive components, evidenced by reduced bone conduction thresholds and an additional air–bone gap.
Full Definition
Mixed hearing loss occurs when damage or dysfunction exists simultaneously in both the conductive pathway (outer or middle ear) and the sensorineural pathway (inner ear or auditory nerve). Diagnostically, this is confirmed when bone conduction thresholds are elevated beyond normal limits and air conduction thresholds are depressed even further, producing a measurable air–bone gap. It is commonly seen in patients with chronic otitis media who also have noise-induced cochlear damage. In editorial contexts, writers must not reduce this diagnosis to either 'sensorineural' or 'conductive' alone, as the distinction carries significant treatment implications. Accurate reporting of both components, with corresponding audiometric data, is required.
Usage
Usage note: Do not abbreviate to 'mixed loss' in formal clinical documents without defining the term on first use.
In Context
- "The patient presented with bilateral mixed hearing loss, with the sensorineural component predominating at higher frequencies." — Otolaryngology referral letter
- "Care must be taken not to misclassify mixed hearing loss as purely sensorineural when editing audiometric reports." — Editorial training manual