Hearing impairment
the definition
Hearing impairment as a disability category is similar to deafness, but it is not the same. The official definition of hearing loss by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is “a hearing loss, whether permanent or fluctuating, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance but is not included within the definition of ‘deafness.’” Hearing loss above 90 decibels is generally considered deafness. , which means that hearing loss of less than 90 dB is classified as hearing loss
the date
The first cases of hearing loss were discovered in skeletal remains dating back more than 10,000 years in Shanidar Cave in Iraqi Kurdistan. Archaeologists found beams, It is a bony growth in the ear canal that can cause conductive hearing loss.
Hearing loss in ancient Egypt: The oldest known written record of hearing loss is noted in a papyrus, It is a medical journal dating back to 1550 BC. The text describes the treatment of “the ear that hears poorly.”
Hearing loss in ancient Greece: In the early tenth century, Both Plato and Aristotle talked about hearing loss. However , Their comments in the context of what we understand about the hard of hearing and deaf community now seem indifferent and incorrect. They both noted that “the ability to think is essentially connected with the ability to speak.” This indicates that they believe that a person’s ability to hear is related to a lack of intelligence.
Hearing loss in Burgundy: Sign language is one of the best programs offered to the deaf and hard of hearing. Its origins go back to the monks of ancient Burgundy in the tenth century. The monks who adhered to the oath of silence created hand signs for communication that eventually became known as the Cluniac Sign Language. This non-verbal language spread through the monasteries of Europe, Many noted that language “would have been sufficient if they had lost the use of their tongues.” This was the inspiration for what eventually became modern sign language.
Early hearing aids from ear trumpets to microprocessors:
Ear trumpets made from animal horns and iron plates were derived in the 17th century, They are the oldest form of hearing aids.
By the 18th century it was produced in large quantities. It was not until Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone in 1876 that inventors were able to incorporate this technology into the first amplified electronic hearing aids. In 1889, Miller Hutchison introduced the first electronic hearing aids.
Digital and Beyond : The 1990s welcomed the first digital technology that continued to shrink the size of hearing aids while adding power and reducing feedback. Digital hearing aids continue to improve the ability to more specifically address individual hearing loss.
the reasons
The National Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) explains that hearing loss falls into four subcategories: conductive, sensory, mixed, and central, Through it it is done Determine the location in the body where hearing loss occurs. Hearing aids and other sound amplification assistive technology (AT) often work for people with conductive hearing loss, Their weakness results from the outer or middle ear.
This does not apply to sensorineural, mixed and central hearing loss. Because these disabilities stem from the inner ear, the central nervous system, or a combination of the two. Hearing loss is usually classified as mild, moderate, moderate, severe, or profound. Depending on how well an individual can hear the frequencies normally associated with speech.
Symptoms
Hearing-impaired children show some symptoms, including the following:
- Having limited or unclear speech.
- Failure to follow directions. Inability to pay attention.
- Hear only parts of the conversation.
- Requests repetition of information.
- Inability to hear everyday sounds (such as the sound of a bell).
- Learning problems.
treatment
There are techniques and interventions to help people with hearing impairment or hearing loss, Devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants can improve a child’s ability to hear, In addition, learning sign language or speech reading can also facilitate communication.