What is typically observed in an audiogram for mixed hearing loss?

In an audiogram showing mixed hearing loss, both air and bone conduction pathways exhibit a loss. This is important because mixed hearing loss combines both conductive and sensorineural components. Conductive loss occurs when there is an issue with the outer or middle ear that impedes sound transmission, while sensorineural loss involves problems with the inner ear or auditory nerve.

In a typical audiogram for mixed hearing loss, the gap between air conduction results—indicating how well sound travels through the ear canal and middle ear—and bone conduction results—reflecting the inner ear's ability to detect sound—will show a loss in both areas. The presence of loss in both air and bone conduction signifies that the individual has issues with sound conduction as well as sensory deficits.

This understanding is critical in diagnosing and developing effective treatment plans since mixed hearing loss indicates that both medical and rehabilitative approaches may be necessary to address the auditory challenges faced by the individual.