Loss of hearing that distorts or prevents low frequency sounds from being heard is categorized as:

The correct categorization of loss of hearing that distorts or prevents low frequency sounds from being heard is sensorineural loss. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways that lead to the brain. This type of hearing loss affects the perception of sound, particularly in the frequency ranges that can include low frequencies, leading to difficulties in certain sounds being detected or distorted.

Understanding sensorineural loss is critical as it often results from various factors such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or medical conditions. This condition contrasts with other types of hearing loss, such as conductive loss, which primarily involves problems in the outer or middle ear preventing sound from being conducted to the inner ear.

The other options each represent different types of hearing impairments but do not properly fit the description provided in the question. Temporary threshold shift refers to a short-term reduction in hearing sensitivity following exposure to loud noise, while noise-induced hearing loss involves permanent damage due specifically to prolonged exposure to loud sounds, often affecting high frequencies. Therefore, the categorization of low frequency distortions aligns correctly with sensorineural loss, which captures the essence of the auditory impairment in question.