What term describes hearing loss that includes both conductive and sensorineural components?

The term that describes hearing loss encompassing both conductive and sensorineural components is mixed hearing loss. This type of hearing loss indicates the presence of two different mechanisms affecting a person's ability to hear. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are not effectively transmitted through the outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear, while sensorineural hearing loss is related to problems in the inner ear or the auditory nerve pathways to the brain. When a person experiences both types, their overall condition is classified as mixed hearing loss. This distinction is crucial in audiology because it informs the treatment approach, as interventions may need to address both types of hearing loss to improve the patient's hearing capabilities effectively.