* What are forms of hearing loss? * What are other classifications of hearing loss? * What is the treatment for hearing loss? What are forms of hearing loss? Hearing loss, or deafness, can be present at birth (congenital), or become evident later in life (acquired). The distinction between acquired and congenital deafness specifies only the time that the deafness appears. It does not specify whether the cause of the deafness is genetic (inherited). Acquired deafness may or may not be genetic. For example, it may be a manifestation of a delayed-onset form of genetic deafness. Alternatively, acquired deafness may be due to damage to the ear from noise. Congenital deafness similarly may or may not be genetic. For example, it may be associated with a white forelock, and be caused by a genetic disease called Waardenburg syndrome. In fact, more than half of congenital hearing loss is inherited. Alternatively, congenital deafness may be due to a condition or infection to which the mother was exposed during pregnancy, such as the rubella virus. What are other classifications of hearing loss? Hearing loss can also be classified based on which portions of the hearing system (auditory system) are affected. When the nervous system is affected, it is referred to as sensorineural hearing loss. When the portions of the ear that are responsible for transmitting the sound to the nerves are affected, it is referred to as conductive hearing loss. Conditions affecting the cochlea, eighth cranial nerve, spinal cord, or brain cause sensorineural hearing loss. Examples include: * Meniere's disease, * hearing loss of aging (presbycusis), * nerve injury from syphilis, * hearing loss of unknown cause (idiopathic hearing loss), * nerve tumors and; * drug toxicity (such as aspirin and aminoglycosides). Conditions that affect the ear canal, eardrum (tympanic membrane), and middle ear lead to conductive hearing loss. Examples of conductive hearing loss include: * ear wax blocking the ear canal, * otitis media and; * otosclerosis. Anatomy of the Ear What is the treatment for hearing loss? The treatment of hearing loss depends on its cause. For example: * ear wax can be removed, * ear infection can be treated with medications, * medications that are toxic to the ear can be avoided and; * occasionally surgical procedures are necessary.

Infants and young children with hearing problems can have difficulty developing speech and language.

Some babies are born with hearing problems. Other children are born with normal hearing and begin to have hearing problems as they grow older.

You can help your child's doctor to decide if your child's hearing needs to be tested. Hearing problems can be temporary or permanent. Hearing problems can happen because of ear infections, injuries, or diseases.

If your child doesn't hear well or speak clearly, take action.

Read the hearing checklist. Find your child's age. Check yes or no for every item. After you complete the checklist, show it to your child's doctor. Ask the doctor questions. Talk about the items checked no. If you think your child has trouble hearing, tell the doctor right away.

Your Baby's Hearing Checklist
Birth to 3 Months
Reacts to loud sounds.

YES

 NO
Is soothed by your voice. YES NO
Turns head to you when you speak. YES NO
Is awakened by loud voices and sounds. YES NO
Smiles when spoken to. YES NO
Seems to know your voice and quiets down if crying. YES NO
3 to 6 Months
Looks upward or turns toward a new sound YES NO
Responds to "no" and changes in tone of voice. YES NO
Imitates his/her own voice. YES NO
Enjoys rattles and other toys that make sounds. YES NO
Begins to repeat sounds (such as ohh, ahh, and ba-ba) YES NO
Becomes scared by a loud voice. YES NO
6 to 10 Months
Responds to his/her own name, telephone ringing, someone's voice, even when not loud. YES NO
Knows words for common things (cup, shoe) and sayings ("bye-bye") YES NO
Makes babbling sounds, even when alone. YES NO
Starts to respond to requests such as "come here." YES NO
Looks at things or pictures when someone talks about them. YES NO
10 to 15 Months
Plays with own voice, enjoying the sound and feel of it. YES NO
Points to or looks at familiar objects or people when asked to do so. YES NO
Imitates simple words and sounds; may use a few single words meaningfully. YES NO
Enjoys games like peak-a-boo and pat-a-cake. YES NO
15 to 18 Months
Follows simple directions, such as "give me the ball." YES NO
Uses words he/she has learned often. YES NO
Uses 2-3 word sentences to talk about and ask for things. YES NO
Knows 10 to 20 words. YES NO
18 to 24 Months
Understands simple "yes-no" questions (Are you hungry?). YES NO
Understands simple phrases ("in the cup," on the table"). YES NO
Enjoys being read to. YES NO
Points to pictures when asked. YES NO
24 to 36 Months
Understands "not now" and "no more." YES NO
Chooses things by size (big, little). YES NO
Follows simple directions such as "get your shoes" and "drink your milk." YES NO
Understands may action words (run, jump). YES NO
When to talk to your doctor
Talk to your doctor if you think your child has a hearing problem. YES NO
Do others in the family, including brothers or sisters have a hearing problem? YES NO
The child's mother had medical problems in pregnancy or delivery
(serious illness or injury, drugs or medications).		 YES NO
The baby was born early (premature). Weight at birth was: _________________________ YES NO
The baby had physical problems at birth. YES NO
The child rubs or pulls on the ear(s) often. YES NO
The child had meningitis. YES NO
The child had _______ ear infections in the past year. YES NO
The child has colds, allergies, and ear infections, once a month ________more often________. YES NO
Adult

* How would you describe your symptoms?
* Did your symptoms come on suddenly?
* Do your symptoms include ringing, roaring or hissing in your ears?
* Do your symptoms include dizziness or balance problems?
* Do you have any pain in the affected ear?
* Do you have a history of ear infections, ear trauma or ear surgery?
* Have you ever worked in a job that exposed you to loud noise?
* Do you have any close relatives who have been affected by hearing loss?
* What medications are you currently taking?
* Does your family tell you that you turn up the volume of the television or radio too high?
* Do you have trouble understanding someone who is talking to you in a low voice?
* Do you have trouble understanding someone who is speaking to you on the telephone?
* Do you frequently need to ask others to speak up or repeat themselves during conversation?
* Do you have trouble hearing someone in a noisy setting, such as a crowded restaurant?
* Can you follow a conversation in which more than two people are speaking at once?
* Can you hear a coin hitting the floor?
* Can you hear a door closing?
* Can you hear when someone approaches you from behind?
* How are your hearing problems affecting your life, including your close relationships?
http://www.medicinenet.com/deafness/article.htm