Which term could refer to a hearing loss due to conscious effort to appear disabled?

Malingering is a term that specifically describes a situation where an individual intentionally feigns or exaggerates hearing loss, often for personal gain, such as financial compensation or avoidance of responsibilities. This conscious effort to appear disabled differentiates it from other forms of hearing loss that may have more genuine causes.

While pseudohypacusis refers to an unreliable or exaggerated hearing loss often resulting from psychological factors rather than a conscious effort to deceive, it does not inherently imply intentional deceit for gain. Psychogenic, meanwhile, relates to hearing loss stemming from psychological issues rather than direct physical causes, but again does not imply malice or intent. The term erroneous would generally indicate something that is mistaken or incorrect; it does not fit the context of intentional behavior regarding hearing loss.

In summary, malingerers consciously alter their perception of disability for some external benefit, making this term the most accurate descriptor in this context.