Functional hearing loss is a type of nonorganic hearing loss. The term functional is often used by psychologists and physicians to describe conditions with nonorganic symptoms. This type of hearing loss does not appear to be due to any specific pathology in the auditory system. There are many terms that have used by audiologists and other professionals to describe functional hearing loss. This entry discusses the terminology, characteristics of patients who might present with functional hearing loss, and testing.

Terminology

Nonorganic hearing loss, erroneous hearing loss, pseudohypacusis, false or exaggerated hearing loss, factitious disorder, malingering, psychogenic hearing loss, and hysterical deafness have all been referenced at one point or another in the literature. All of these terms represent functional hearing loss; however, the terminology listed above ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles