California Hearing Aid Dispenser Written Practice Test

The term "factitious hearing loss" refers to a condition where an individual deliberately simulates or exaggerates hearing loss without any underlying ear pathology or organic cause. This leads to a lack of congruence between the patient's reported hearing difficulties and their actual hearing ability.

Malingering is when an individual feigns or exaggerates symptoms to gain something tangible, such as financial benefits or avoidance of duties. In the context of hearing loss, those who are malingering may be attempting to secure disability benefits or other advantages by falsely representing their hearing capabilities.

Although "nonorganic," "psychogenic," and "pseudohypacusis" address aspects of hearing loss without a physical basis, they are not as specific in implying intentional behavior for personal gain. "Nonorganic" describes hearing loss that is not due to a physical cause but does not necessarily imply intent. "Psychogenic" may refer to hearing loss linked to psychological factors but might not suggest deliberate deception. "Pseudohypacusis" refers to a false or exaggerated hearing loss but is less commonly used and may not accurately encompass the intentional aspect of the individual's actions.

Therefore, while all these terms relate to the concept of hearing loss without organic causes, "malingering" most correctly