What is central hearing loss?

Central hearing loss refers to a condition where the brain has difficulty processing auditory information, despite the structures of the ear being functional. This type of hearing loss can occur due to various neurological conditions or damage to the auditory pathways in the brain, which can lead to difficulties in understanding and interpreting sounds, even if the sounds can be physically heard.

The other options describe different forms of hearing loss: the inability of the cochlea to transmit sound points to sensorineural hearing loss related to the inner ear, while ear infections typically lead to conductive hearing loss due to blockages in sound transmission. Hearing loss from aging pertains to presbycusis, a common age-related decline in hearing function. Understanding the distinction between these types of hearing loss is essential for an effective diagnosis and treatment plan.