When you can't understand what someone is saying, it is commonly referred to as "hearing impairment" or "hearing loss." Hearing impairment can vary in severity, ranging from mild to profound. Some other terms used to describe this condition include:
Deafness: Severe or profound hearing loss, which may result in the inability to hear speech or sound.
Hard of hearing: A term used for individuals with partial hearing loss who may use hearing aids or other assistive devices to enhance their hearing.
Auditory processing disorder (APD): A condition where the brain has difficulty processing auditory information, even though the ears may detect sounds properly.
Hearing deficit: A general term used to describe any degree of hearing loss.
It's essential for individuals experiencing difficulty understanding speech or sounds to seek professional evaluation from an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform tests to determine the type and extent of hearing impairment and recommend appropriate interventions, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or assistive listening devices, depending on the individual's needs.