AP Psychology Practice Test

What is another name for sensorineural hearing loss?

1. Mechanical deafness

2. Nerve deafness

3. Conduction deafness

4. Auditory neuropathy

The correct answer is: Nerve deafness

Sensorineural hearing loss is often referred to as nerve deafness. This type of hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or to the auditory nerve pathways that lead to the brain. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which translates sound vibrations into neural signals. When this system is compromised—due to aging, exposure to loud noises, illness, or injury—the result is a reduction in the ability to hear certain frequencies or sounds. The term "nerve deafness" specifically highlights the neural aspects involved, differentiating it from other types of hearing loss that may be more mechanical or attributable to issues with sound conduction. For example, conduction deafness involves problems in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from being effectively transmitted to the inner ear, whereas sensorineural hearing loss is primarily related to the functioning of the auditory nerve or the inner ear sensors themselves. This distinction is why the answer "nerve deafness" is accurately associated with sensorineural hearing loss.