What is a characteristic of mixed hearing loss?

Mixed hearing loss is characterized by the combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This means that there are issues affecting the outer or middle ear that result in conductive hearing loss, as well as damage to the inner ear or auditory pathway leading to sensorineural hearing loss. The presence of both types of hearing loss can complicate diagnosis and treatment, as different underlying causes may need to be addressed simultaneously to effectively manage the individual's hearing health.

In this context, a condition that involves both types of hearing loss is critical to understanding the overall auditory function of a person and how it can be treated, highlighting the importance of comprehensive audiometric evaluations.