Which condition is characterized by a person's fabricated perception of their hearing loss?

The condition characterized by a person's fabricated perception of their hearing loss is known as pseudohypacusis. This term specifically refers to situations where an individual consciously exaggerates or feigns a hearing impairment, often for personal gain, such as to qualify for benefits or avoid responsibility.

Pseudohypacusis is recognized in clinical settings where audiologic assessments reveal discrepancies between subjective complaints and objective measures of hearing ability. In these cases, the person may be experiencing a psychological conflict or a desire to attain sympathy or attention, making it different from malingering, which more explicitly involves deception for tangible rewards.

This understanding of pseudohypacusis helps professionals address the ethical and clinical implications in audiology, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate support while distinguishing between genuine hearing loss and fabricated claims.