noun. The part or total inexistence of the auditory sense. It might be genetic or gained otherwise by trauma or illness, at any point in life, including while developing during the mother’s pregnancy. The primary and significant types are sensorineural, or nerve, and conduction deafness. Some people have both forms, which is termed as mixed deafness.
DEAFNESS: “Greta found it hard to accept that she would suffer from deafness for the rest of her life.”