Mixed hearing loss involves problems in which parts of the auditory system?

Mixed hearing loss is characterized by the presence of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss occurring simultaneously. This means that there are issues affecting the outer and/or middle ear, which contribute to conductive hearing loss, as well as problems in the inner ear or auditory nerve that result in sensorineural hearing loss.

The correct answer identifies that mixed hearing loss involves both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear. This dual aspect underscores the complexity of mixed hearing loss, as it requires treatment considerations that address both types of hearing loss to improve the individual's overall auditory function. In contrast, answers that suggest isolated issues in only the inner ear, outer ear, or middle ear do not accurately reflect the nature of mixed hearing loss, which inherently involves a combination of these areas within the auditory system.