Hearing Loss Reasons

There are several different characteristics of hearing impaired that need to be understood in order to deal effectively with someone that is suffering from hearing impairment. There are also several different types of hearing impairments including being deaf; hard of hearing and in addition, the degree of hearing impairment too will vary from case to case.

Not Paying Attention

One of most typical characteristics of hearing impaired includes the fact that a sufferer is found not paying attention to what is being said. This may make it appear like the sufferer is absent minded or inattentive; however, it is only a manifestation of one of several characteristics of hearing impaired.

Another common characteristic of hearing impaired is that the sufferer uses gestures to communicate instead of speaking when spoken to. In addition, a sufferer of hearing impairment might also turn or cock their heads and in addition may also suffer from underdeveloped speech abilities.

Yet another common characteristic of hearing impaired is that the hearing impaired person tends to speak in a monotone voice and is also, in many instances, not able to follow directions. In addition, the hearing impaired person also tends to imitate other people and is also very reluctant to participate in oral discussions.

These are basically categorized as behavioral characteristics of hearing impaired and they also include characteristics such as working best only when in a group rather than when doing things individually. It also leads to acting out parts rather than being a real person and it also leads to being more preoccupied with things instead of with people. Finally, the person also tends to respond to noises rather than responding to words.

Besides these behavioral characteristics of hearing impaired, there are also certain motor characteristics that need to be identified. These motor characteristics of hearing impaired include having a problem with balancing and this in turn can lead to problems and even delayed motor abilities. Commonly, such problems with balancing are attributed to vestibular damage and not to deafness. Nevertheless, such people can also have problems with motor speed which is noticeable in that the sufferer is not able to process information properly and he or she will also not be able to complete motor acts in good time.

It has also been found that playing music at exceptionally high volumes can lead to hearing damage and so it is recommended that you try and avoid cranking up the volume the next time you start listening to your favorite music.

Once the characteristics of hearing impaired have been studied and understood it is then time to find how best to treat and deal with these characteristics. Unless proper action is taken to treat hearing impaired persons it will not be possible to help the person so that he or she will be able to come out of their condition and regain normalcy in their hearing and also in their lives.

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Hearing deafness is a condition that affects many in the population. Nearly one third of Americans are experiencing some type of hearing loss, the majority of which are aged 65 and above. Hearing deafness is the third most common condition affecting elderly Americans, after hypertension and arthritis.

Hearing deafness is not an easy condition. It causes difficulty in expression through language, makes understanding of spoke language difficult, and predisposes the individual to social isolation. Hearing difficulties also predisposes the sufferer to accidents since loss of hearing can make them oblivious to warning bells and sounds.

Causes

There are many causes for hearing deafness. Some possibilities are:

Genetics

Diseases like diabetes and chronic infection

Trauma from an accident

As a side effect of medications like vancomycin and gentamycin and some anti-cancer drugs

Aging

Long-term exposure to loud noise or very loud, sudden sounds (i.e. from a gunshot next to ones ear)

Fusion of ear bones

Types of Hearing Deafness

Hearing deafness is categorized into three broad types. These are conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs as a result of a structural defect or obstruction in the ear. A blocked ear canal is one example of a cause for conductive hearing loss, and is one which is very easy to treat. Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the vestibucochlear nerve or any of the hair cells in the Organ of Corti, which causes a reduction in the conduction of sound. This can be treated by surgery, the use of hearing aids, or cochlear implants. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss in the same ear. The problem occurs both in the outer or middle and inner ear.

Implications of Hearing Deafness

Depending on the age of the onset of the condition, hearing deafness can be mild, moderate or severe. Even mild hearing deafness can have serious implications for very young children who are still learning to talk. Children who have some degree of hearing difficulties will also need special education to help them learn in areas like regular speech, language and auditory training, sign language, how to find favorable seating in order to facilitate observation of the speaker as well as counseling to minimize the emotional effects of the condition on the child.

When it comes to the elderly, once the need for surgery or the use of hearing aids is established, care must be taken to assist the individual in deciding the mode of treatment for her or him. Often older people are hesitant about using hearing aids, especially if they are easily intimidated by technology. Family members must be careful not to push their hearing impaired parents in to wearing hearing aids, since this can only lead to stronger resistance. Counseling is also encouraged. Family members must also be aware that the elderly, especially those who are hearing impaired but do not wear hearing-assistive devices are at a greater risk for injury and accidents.

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Although there is no replacement to the help that a hearing aid gives to anyone who has a hearing disorder, it is a sad fact that there is a rampant social stigma associated with the use of hearing aids and the hearing problem that necessitated its use, as compared to the use of eyeglasses for impaired vision. Because hearing disorders often come up when a person is older, the use of hearing aids adds to that feeling of being mortal and being not as healthy as one used to be, a feeling that most people would want to delay as long as possible. This is often the reason why most hearing aid users delayed the purchase of a hearing aid until the problem had progressed or because of the prodding of family members who were negatively affected by the hearing disorder. Most people believe that the use of hearing aids is a major blow to the ego and will be make the hearing disorder more noticeable to others. However, the opposite is true. A hearing disorder is easier to identify when left untreated and worsens, especially when it causes problems for the individual or to the others around him.

How Family Members Can Help

The support of the family is crucial in the successful and continuous use of the hearing aids by any member of the family who has the hearing problem. Children and older users need to be reminded time and time again to put on their hearing aids. Children may find putting on the hearing aid cumbersome and embarrassing, especially if other children do not understand what the device is for. This can be also true for older users, especially if the hearing aids do not fit well or are not giving them the kind of auditory results that they expected. Older users often become more resistant when prodding from the younger generations becomes incessant. Some use the refusal to not wear the hearing aid as a way to exert their power over their adult children who want them to use the hearing devices for their hearing disorders. Others may purchase hearing aids just to quiet nagging family members but will not use them.

Concerned family members need to know how to make the older person understand the importance of the device in a way that does not seem like the whole family is ganging up on grandma or grandpa to use his or her hearing aid. Parents of children who have hearing disorders can take the time to thoroughly explain the purpose of the hearing aid, and that its use is not a cause for embarrassment. Family members may also need to know how to explain how the hearing aids work and how they cannot restore perfect hearing but rather reduce the effects of the hearing disorder. They can also guide the individual in the search for a suitable support group where he or she can join and share experiences with other hearing-impaired individuals who are living with hearing aids.

Studies have shown that the self-esteem and overall functional health levels of those who wore hearing aids measured higher than those who did not use hearing aids for their hearing problem. It is a fact that living with hearing loss, especially progressive hearing loss, can severely affect the sufferers quality of life. Fortunately, concerned family members can take an active role in ensuring that the social stigma that comes with the use of hearing aids does not affect family members with hearing disorders in any way.

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