What is the correct term for a person who exaggerates their hearing loss for secondary gain?

The term for a person who exaggerates their hearing loss for secondary gain, such as financial compensation or avoidance of responsibilities, is "malingering." Malingering is characterized by the intentional fabrication or exaggeration of symptoms for personal benefit. This behavior is often seen in various contexts, where individuals may amplify their conditions to receive advantages they would not otherwise be entitled to.

The other terms do not accurately describe this behavior. For instance, "hysterical" refers more generally to a psychological state or condition characterized by excessive emotional response rather than the deliberate exaggeration of physical symptoms for gain. "Factitious" indicates that a person may intentionally produce or feign symptoms of medical or psychological conditions, but it is usually associated with a desire to assume the role of a patient rather than seeking tangible benefits. "Erroneous" simply means incorrect or mistaken and does not relate specifically to the intentional manipulation of symptoms.

Therefore, "malingering" is the most precise term for the described behavior in the context of hearing loss.