A mixed hearing loss shows _____________ .

A mixed hearing loss is characterized by a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. In this context, threshold elevation by bone conduction (BC) indicates that there is damage to the inner ear or retrocochlear structures, while air-bone gaps signify a problem in the outer or middle ear, which interferes with sound transmission. The presence of air-bone gaps indicates that the conductive component of the hearing loss prevents some sounds from being transmitted normally through air, whereas bone conduction remains affected by the underlying sensorineural issue.

Thus, the correct answer captures both aspects of mixed hearing loss, where threshold elevations are present in both conductive and sensorineural components, and air-bone gaps illustrate the conductive hearing impairment. This answer reflects a true representation of mixed hearing loss and its diagnostic criteria in audiology.