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3. DEFINIG HEARING IMPAIRMENT 'Hearing impairment' is a general term often used to describe hearing loss. In an audiological assessment, hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB), across a range of frequencies from low sounds to higher pitched sounds. Having similar audiograms does not always mean students' language skills and learning needs are the same. For example, you may find your student has difficulties with both spoken or signed, and written communication. A significant hearing loss may also lead to a need for specific strategies to address social skills development. Difficulty in initiating and maintaining friendships or evidence of low self esteem are examples of the effect of the isolation experienced by many students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Hearing impairment is a condition, where damage or functional problem occurs on any part of the ear and causes damaging changes in the quality of sound reception. We distinguish the following types of conditions: Conductive hearing loss – affects outer or middle ear, he ear canal, eardrum, or ossicles. Usually an obstacle or structural issue that interferes with the ability of the sound to pass through the ear. This will cause lower reception of sounds. This kind of hearing loss is typically treated by medications, surgery or use of hearing aids. Sensorineural hearing loss – affects the inner parts of the ear or the nerve connecting ear with brain. This kind of impairment is manifested by unclear hearing, problems with understanding speech or recognizing sounds. This kind of impairment is typically permanent and may be supported by hearing aid or by cochlear implantation. Mixed hearing loss – combines the conductive and sensorineural hearing impairments. Every hearing loss is different. Some people have partial hearing loss, meaning that the ear can pick up some sounds; others have complete hearing loss, meaning that the ear cannot hear at all (people with complete hearing loss are considered deaf). One or both ears may be affected, and the impairment may be worse in one ear than in the other. The timing of the hearing loss can vary, too. Congenital hearing loss is present at birth or happens within the first few days of life. Acquired hearing loss occurs later in life - during childhood, the teen years, or in adulthood - and it can be sudden or progressive (happening slowly over time). |