ABOUT 20 per cent of the world's population has a hearing disability. The fluctuating hearing disability associated with the common childhood disorder, otitis media with effusion (or ear infection), is not included in this figure.
This large incidence of hearing loss is permanent and is attributed to a number of causes - genetic; illness and/or trauma during pregnancy, delivery or after birth; high fevers; certain prescription drugs; loud sounds and the ageing process.
Decreased hearing sensitivity has a major impact on communication in both children and adults. The severity of the communication process depends on the degree of hearing impairment and the brain's ability to process the sounds it receives.
In children, the problem can be seen in the child's slow progress in developing and producing speech and language, delayed acquisition of information for learning in school, and in often acceptable and inappropriate behaviour. As a result the child is given many labels - slow, mentally retarded, hyperactive, stubborn, rude, learning disabled, uncooperative.
Significantly reducing the amount of hearing disorders and its effect on the population can be achieved by prevention, early identification and management. About 40 per cent of childhood hearing disorders can be prevented by vaccinating adults before pregnancy against rubella infection and children against meningitis and mumps.
In addition, genetic counselling could be effective in reducing the amount of inherited hearing disorders. Further, awareness of ototoxic -- drugs and knowledge in proper usage and monitoring of these drugs when prescribed would also contribute to reducing the number of acquired hearing losses. Protecting the ears from exposure to loud noises such as loud music, would also make a significant contribution to reducing hearing loss in the population.
Most auditory (hearing) disabilities can be detected from birth to six months by means of sophisticated and technologically-advanced testing equipment. These tests are performed by audiologists who are the specialists trained in the field of hearing and related ear disorders or by specially-trained technicians under the supervision of an audiologist.
- Georgia Beavers,
audiologist
