Family Health
<p><b>Are you experiencing deafness – here’s why</b></p>
<p>A broad definition of deafness is a condition characterized by severe hearing loss. Deaf people can hear very little or nothing at all.</p>
<p>Hearing is a difficult process. Sound waves enter the outer ear and pass down the ear canal to reach the inner ear. They strike the eardrum, which responds by vibrating. The resultant vibrations travel to the inner ear via the middle ear.</p>
<p>Specialized cells in the inner ear convert vibrations into electrical impulses. These impulses are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve. The impulses are translated into sound by the brain. The significant hearing loss of deafness can be caused by a malfunction at any stage of the process.</p>
<p><b>Hearing loss vs Deafness</b></p>
<p>The inability to hear sounds completely or partially is known as hearing impairment, deafness, or hearing loss. Symptoms might range from mild to moderate to severe or profound.</p>
<p>People with hearing loss, ranging from slight to severe, are referred to as "hard of hearing." Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive technologies, as well as captioning, can help those who are hard of hearing.</p>
<p>Some people are profoundly deaf and must rely on lip-reading to communicate. People who are profoundly deaf are unable to hear anything and must rely solely on lip-reading or sign language to communicate.</p>
<p><b>Types of deafness</b></p>
<p>Deafness can be characterized in a variety of ways. Deafness can be congenital (existing at birth or shortly after) or acquired (appearing later in life at any age). Deafness can be unilateral (affecting just one ear) or bilateral (affecting both ears).</p>
<p>Deafness can also be classified according to the portion of the hearing process that is affected:</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span><b>Conductive hearing loss or deafness: </b>The outer and middle ear are unable to receive sound. If any hearing remains, sounds may be severely muted, and hearing faint noises may be difficult or impossible. Infections and abnormalities of the outer or middle ear are examples of conductive causes of deafness.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> <b> </b></span><b>Sensorineural hearing loss or deafness:</b> Involves the inner ear or auditory nerve. The most frequent type of persistent hearing loss is tinnitus. Trauma, inner ear abnormalities, and specific medications and medical conditions are all examples of sensorineural causes of deafness.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span><b>Mixed hearing loss or deafness:</b> Is a combination of conductive and sensorineural issues.</p>
<p><b>What are the symptoms of deafness?</b></p>
<p>Hearing loss that's severe is referred to as deafness. This implies that individuals can't hear noises until they reach a decibel level of at least 90.</p>
<p>Symptoms and indications of deafness include:</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Requesting that individuals speak louder or slower.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Hearing consonants and comprehending words can be difficult, especially in noisy or crowded environments.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Hearing sounds and speech that are muted</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Increasing the loudness on televisions, radios, phones, and other devices.</p>
<p>Hearing loss can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition. If you or someone you know has abrupt hearing loss and any of the following dangerous symptoms, get medical help right away:</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Hearing loss when you first wake up in the morning.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Hearing loss followed by a loud popping sound.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>One or both ears are ringing.</p>
