What condition is characterized by profound hearing loss with normal outer and middle ear function?

The condition characterized by profound hearing loss while maintaining normal function of the outer and middle ear is sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss occurs due to damage in the inner ear (cochlea) or along the auditory pathway to the brain.

In sensorineural hearing loss, even though the outer and middle ears can conduct sound properly, the inner ear may have issues that prevent sound signals from being interpreted correctly. This could be due to various factors, such as aging, exposure to loud noises, infections, or genetic factors, which affect the hair cells or nerve pathways necessary for auditory processing.

Understanding sensorineural hearing loss is crucial for diagnosing and managing hearing impairments since it implies that the problem lies deeper than the conductive mechanisms of sound transmission. Effective treatment may include hearing aids or other adaptive devices, along with rehabilitation strategies that address the inner ear's role in hearing.