Definitions of types of hearing impairment: a discussion paper.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a clear and meaningful set of definitions of types of hearing impairment.


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


CONCLUSIONS
A coherent set of definitions compatible with the contemporary understanding of auditory disorders and their perceptual effects is proposed.
Neumann
Katrin
K
Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, University of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Katrin.Neumann@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Stephens
Dafydd
D
D001299:Audiometry; D001306:Auditory Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology; D003051:Cochlea / Q000503:physiopathology; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology; D046089:Hearing Loss, Mixed Conductive-Sensorineural / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans