hearing loss, an inability to perceive the normal range of sounds audible to an individual with normal hearing. Hearing loss may be greater at some frequencies than others, or all frequencies may be equally affected. Conductive hearing loss is a result of damage to the outer or middle ear, whereas sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the cochlea or auditory nerve. The loss is measured in decibels and may be described as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. See also conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss.
