Deafness

DEAFNESS

What is deafness?

Deafness, also known as hearing loss, is difficulty hearing or the total impossibility of using this sense. If the loss is partial, it is called hypoacusis, while if it is total, it is called cophosis.

  • Hypoacusis: Partial deafness is when the person has a slight hearing ability. He/she may use a device to help him/her hear better, although he/she is not forced to do so.
  • Cophosis: the affected person has no hearing ability at all, he/she does not hear anything.

What are the symptoms?

Hearing loss may occur gradually, starting with difficulty hearing or understanding what other people are saying when in a noisy place. If there is an infection, other symptoms such as ear pain may also occur.

Causes of deafness or why it occurs

The causes of deafness may be congenital or acquired. Congenital causes allow determining deafness at birth. They may be hereditary or non-hereditary and may be due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth.

As for acquired causes, these can occur at any age due to:

  • Infectious diseases
  • Chronic ear infection
  • Otitis media
  • Exposure to excessive noise
  • Aging
  • Blockage of the ear canal caused by

Can it be prevented?

Prevention can prevent half of all cases of hearing loss. Some actions that can prevent deafness include:

  • Vaccinating children against certain diseases
  • Reducing exposure to loud noises
  • Screening children for otitis media.
  • Avoiding the use of certain medications that may be harmful to hearing.
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What is the treatment?

Treatment consists of using hearing aids, cochlear implants or other assistive listening devices.