Residual Hearing
The remaining functional hearing capacity a person retains after hearing loss, used to guide rehabilitation planning and device selection.
Full Definition
Residual hearing refers to the degree of auditory function that persists in an individual with hearing impairment, representing the usable hearing that can be leveraged through amplification, auditory training, or other rehabilitative strategies. The concept is particularly relevant in cochlear implant candidacy evaluations, where the extent of residual acoustic hearing informs decisions about hybrid (electro-acoustic) devices. In editorial contexts, the term should not be hyphenated ('residual-hearing') and should not be used as a synonym for 'normal hearing.' Residual hearing may be characterised by frequency region, degree, or functional utility.
Usage
Usage note: Do not hyphenate as an attributive modifier in standard usage (e.g., 'residual hearing capacity,' not 'residual-hearing capacity'). Avoid using as a synonym for 'normal hearing.'
In Context
- "Preservation of residual hearing is a key objective during electrode insertion in contemporary cochlear implant surgery." — Surgical technique review article
- "The program was designed to maximise the patient's residual hearing before considering implantable device options." — Aural rehabilitation program description