The medical term for reduced ability to hear is known as what?

The term "hearing impairment" specifically refers to a reduced ability to hear, which can encompass a range of hearing loss from mild to profound. It is a broadly accepted medical terminology that describes various degrees of hearing difficulty. Hearing impairment can result from numerous factors, including age, noise exposure, genetics, and medical conditions affecting the ear or auditory pathways.

"Deafness" typically refers to a more profound or total inability to hear, distinguishing it from "hearing impairment," which includes all levels of hearing loss. "Hypertension" is unrelated, as it refers to high blood pressure, not auditory capability. "Auditory deficiency" can sometimes be used informally but is less commonly recognized in medical contexts compared to "hearing impairment." Thus, hearing impairment is the most accurate and comprehensive choice for describing a reduced ability to hear.