What is the identification of hearing loss with bone conduction thresholds worse than 20 dB and an air-bone gap exceeding 10 dB?

The identification of hearing loss with bone conduction thresholds worse than 20 dB and an air-bone gap exceeding 10 dB indicates the presence of mixed hearing loss. Mixed hearing loss occurs when there are both conductive and sensorineural components affecting hearing.

In this scenario, the bone conduction thresholds being worse than 20 dB suggests that there is a degree of sensorineural hearing loss present, as it exceeds the threshold associated with normal hearing. The presence of an air-bone gap greater than 10 dB indicates a conductive component; specifically, it suggests that sound is not being transmitted efficiently through the outer or middle ear. The combination of these two factors—compromised bone conduction indicating sensorineural loss and the air-bone gap highlighting conductive loss—fits the profile of mixed hearing loss.

Understanding the distinction between types of hearing loss is crucial. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) generally does not present with an air-bone gap, while conductive hearing loss is characterized by an air-bone gap without significant sensorineural component. Normal hearing would show no air-bone gap or compromised bone conduction thresholds. Thus, the presence of both an air-bone gap and impaired bone conduction firmly categorizes this condition as mixed hearing