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Deaf Awareness
A person who is unable to hear some sounds is
said to present with Hearing Loss. A person who is able
to hear some sounds is said to be hard of hearing. A
person who is unable to hear any sounds is said to be deaf.
The ear is made up of 3 parts i.e. outer, middle and inner ear.
Hearing loss can result from an obstruction or damage in any of
these 3 parts.
There are 3 main types of hearing loss:
- Conductive Hearing Loss – occurs when there is an
obstruction in the transmission of sound to the inner ear.
The problem lies in the outer or middle ear.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss - is caused by the
inappropriate functioning of the cochlea or the hearing
nerve.
- Mixed Hearing Loss – is a combination of the above.
Excessive accumulation of ear wax or infection of the auditory
canal in the outer ear can cause hearing loss. Perforation of
the eardrum, infection or fluid in the middle ear and
otosclerosis can lead to difficulties in hearing. The natural
aging process, excessive exposure to noise, medication that is
toxic to the auditory system and head injuries can also cause
hearing loss.
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss
- Discharging ears
- Earaches/pain in area of head/ear
- Ringing, buzzing and roaring sounds in the ear
- Swelling around ear
- Dizziness
- “Blocked sensation” in the ear
- Frequent requests for repetitions
- Sits near the television or has the volume loud
- A babies babbling ceases around 6-8 months of age or the
babbling is replaced by screaming.
- Insufficient language development as the child grows and
difficulty in following instructions.
Prevention of hearing difficulties
- Attend to earaches, discharge and discomfort in the ear
immediately
- Do not insert any objects into the ear canal
- Do not instill ear drops not prescribed for yourself
into your ears
- Do not expose your ears to excessively loud music for
extended periods of time
- Be aware of the causes of hearing difficulties and its
applicability to yourself
- Screen your hearing ability regularly.
A hearing test is carried out using advanced equipment that
allows the Audiologist to identify the site, severity and
possible cause of the hearing loss in patients from newborns to
geriatrics. Management can either be medical; i.e. referral to
E.N.T. or rehabilitative, i.e. hearing aids, sign language
training, etc. Hearing people tend to have a number of myths and
misconceptions about Deaf people. DAW aims to discredit these
misconceptions by educating the public and making them aware of
the true nature of Deafness.
Always remain positive and relaxed when communicating with the
Deaf. Show that you care – your attitude can build confidence.
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HEALTH KWAZULU-NATAL