TYPES OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT - DEFINITIONS CHANGING OVER TIME

Neumann  K (1), Stephens D (2).

(1) Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (2) School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales.

Objective: Over the years a range of definitions of different types of hearing impairment has been proposed, starting with a separation of conductive and sensorineural impairment. Such definitions have changed and been elaborated on with time, with increasing subdivisions. However, overlapping, unclear or absent definitions have resulted in some confusion in the past. In particular, the division between retrocochlear hearing disorders, central hearing disorders, central auditory processing disorders, and auditory neuropathy is not always clear and often confuses students of acoustics and audiology or physicians who specialize in hearing problems and related fields.

Method: A critical analysis was made of previous definitions together with a consideration of current knowledge of functions and dysfunctions of the auditory system.

Results and Conclusions: A coherent set of definitions compatible with the contemporary understanding of auditory disorders and their perceptual effects is proposed.

E-mail: Katrin.Neumann@kgu.de