Which term describes hearing loss that develops after 4 years old when speech and language are already established?

The term that describes hearing loss developing after the age of 4, when speech and language skills are already established, is "postlingual." This term specifically refers to individuals who have acquired language before experiencing hearing loss, typically after the critical period for language development. As a result, they may face challenges with communication and social interactions due to the change in their hearing status, but they retain the ability to use the language they developed prior to losing their hearing.

"Prelingual" refers to hearing loss that occurs before the acquisition of language, while "perilingual" might imply that the individual is acquiring language skills but is experiencing some level of hearing loss at the same time. "Late-onset" can refer to hearing loss that occurs after birth but does not specifically indicate the age at which speech and language development has occurred. Therefore, postlingual is the most accurate descriptor for hearing loss that begins after established speech and language abilities.